The Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the leadership of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of failing to disqualify the three contenders challenging him in the Adansi Asokwa constituency primary.

Hammond’s discontent follows his initial petition against his primary opponent, Sammy Binfoh Darkwa, which was dismissed by the Ashanti Regional Vetting Committee. The Adansi Asokwa MP escalated the matter to the National Vetting Committee, asserting that all aspiring candidates challenging him lacked party membership cards.

Maintaining his stance, Mr. Hammond argued that none of the three contenders had contributed to the party’s progress in the Ashanti Region, underscoring the necessity for their disqualification. In an interview with JoyNews, he expressed disappointment in the party’s failure to disqualify the challengers, emphasizing the adherence to party rules and regulations.

“There are rules and regulations that govern the procedures in our party. I wasn’t comfortable that all three who appeared to contest me were properly qualified to contest. I made a point, and at the end of the day, I’m not the arbiter, so all of them are contesting me. We will resolve these matters ultimately within the structures of the party,” he remarked.

Despite his concerns, Mr. Hammond remains optimistic about winning the primary scheduled for Saturday, January 27. He conveyed confidence in his delegates, urging them to express their trust in his representation. Emphasizing the role of delegates as the ultimate arbiters, he looks forward to a favorable outcome in the upcoming election.