The campaign team of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has dismissed suggestions that the former presidential aspirant intends to break away from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to form a new political movement, describing such claims as baseless.

Speculation emerged after Mr Agyapong was absent at the party’s recent thanksgiving service, an event that drew leading figures from across the NPP.

However, speaking on JoyPrime on Monday, February 16, the spokesperson for his campaign, Kwasi Kwarteng, rejected any suggestion that the absence signalled disaffection or plans to establish a separate party.

“It’s not the case that if Ken could not go for the Thanksgiving service, it means he is not supporting the party or that he is going to start a whole new party for himself,” Mr Kwarteng said. “It’s completely untenable. That would be out of bad faith.”

He argued that reading political motives into attendance at a single event was both unfair and illogical, noting that several prominent party stalwarts were also absent.

Among those he cited were ex-President Nana Akufo-Addo and former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

“President Akufo-Addo was not there. Is he also going to start his own party? President Kufuor was not there. Is he also going to start his own party?” Mr Kwarteng queried.

He further pointed out that the former First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, was not present at the service. “Is she also going to start her own party?” he asked rhetorically.

The spokesperson also referenced lawyer and former minister Samuel Atta Akyea, widely known for his instrumental role in the campaign of Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia. Mr Kwarteng suggested that even if Mr Atta Akyea had not attended, it would not warrant questions about his loyalty.

“Assuming, without admitting, that he was not there, does that also mean his loyalty to the party is in doubt?” he asked.

Addressing Mr Agyapong’s absence directly, Mr Kwarteng explained that both he and the former Assin Central MP had been out of town at the time of the thanksgiving service.

“I was also out of town, like Ken. Ken himself was out of town. But I am here speaking for the party, and I think that should be enough,” he said.

Mr Kwarteng insisted that there is no basis for claims that Mr Agyapong intends to form a new political party.