Abronye Declares His Role: Not a Personal Aide to Any Campaign
Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye, who serves as the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), says he is an elected leader with a clear mandate, not a personal assistant to the party’s campaigns or to any individual candidate. In recent public discourse, critics have suggested that he operates under the direction of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign efforts. Abronye made his stance known, insisting that his authority comes from the people who elected him and the party’s regional executive structure.
The comments come amid heightened political activity in the region, where party supporters and detractors alike keenly watch how regional leaders engage with national campaign strategies. Abronye argued that regional chairmen are essential to the party’s grassroots strength and must be allowed to exercise independent judgment on local issues—within the party’s framework and the will of the electorate.
Clarifying the Difference Between Leadership and Campaign Assignments
In addressing the critique, Abronye emphasized a fundamental distinction: being a regional chairman does not equate to occupying a personal staff role for any candidate’s campaign. He noted that while campaign teams coordinate with regional leaders, the chair’s duties extend to organizing, mobilizing supporters, and ensuring party discipline at the regional level. This separation, he argued, preserves the integrity of regional governance within the NPP and protects the voice of constituents who chose him to represent their interests.
Observers point out that regional chairmen typically bridge the local electorate with national party decisions. Abronye’s insistence on autonomy is seen by supporters as a move to protect the region from being perceived as an extension of a single campaign’s agenda. Critics, on the other hand, worry that too much independence could complicate central coordination during crucial phases of the party’s campaigns.
What Autonomy Looks Like in Practice for the Bono Region
Practically, autonomy means assertive participation in policy discussions that affect the Bono Region, engagement with party members at the grassroots level, and transparency about how decisions are made. Abronye’s supporters argue that a regional chair who is accountable to voters is better positioned to translate national strategies into locally relevant actions. They contend that such leadership fosters accountability, local morale, and a sense of ownership among constituents who feel closely attached to their regional leadership.
In responding to questions about collaboration with key figures in the party, Abronye reiterated that he works within the NPP’s statutes and regional constitution. He asserted that his role includes mobilizing volunteers, coordinating regional fundraising within ethical guidelines, and ensuring that party activities reflect the diverse interests of the Bono electorate. The emphasis, he says, is on effective governance rather than personal campaign loyalty.
Implications for the NPP’s Regional Strategies
The Bono Regional leadership under Abronye is viewed as a test case for how the NPP balances centralized campaign direction with regional autonomy. If the regional chair can maintain a strong alignment with party ideals while preserving independent decision-making, it could help the NPP sustain momentum across battleground areas. Conversely, if tensions arise between regional leadership and central campaign plans, it may prompt a reassessment of how much cohesive control is feasible in a large, multi-region party structure.
Conclusion: A Clear Message to Critics and Supporters Alike
Ultimately, Abronye’s message to critics is straightforward: the Bono Regional Chair is elected to serve the people of the region, not to function as a personal aide in any campaign. This stance underscores a broader conversation about the roles and boundaries of regional leaders within Ghana’s major political parties. For supporters, the proclamation reinforces confidence in a leadership that claims legitimacy through the ballot box and governance, while remaining open to collaboration where appropriate. For critics, it signals that regional autonomy will be defended as long as it aligns with the party’s core values and the electorate’s trust.
