Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has revealed that some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) opposed his nomination for a second attempt as the party’s Flagbearer following his 1996 presidential election defeat.

Speaking in an interview, Kufuor recounted the challenges he faced within his own party as he prepared for the 2000 elections.

“I had 39% and I think that was exceptional,” Kufuor said, reflecting on the 1996 polls, where he lost to then-President Jerry John Rawlings. “Even before the next election, some people in my party wanted to see the back of me.”

The former President disclosed that party insiders spread serious allegations against him, including claims that he had diverted campaign funds during a tour of the United States.

“They said I embarked on a tour of America and party supporters gave me $100,000, which they alleged I deposited into my private bank account. It was a big lie,” he explained.

Kufuor said the NPP established a committee under the leadership of A. K. Deku, appointed by then-party chairman Peter Ala Adjetey, to investigate the claims.

“Those who made these serious allegations – one has died, and one is alive – could not provide any evidence when called to substantiate their claim,” Kufuor added.

Ultimately, the committee found no wrongdoing on his part, clearing the path for his nomination.

The NPP subsequently held its party congress in Sunyani in 1998, where Kufuor was selected as the Flagbearer and later went on to win the presidency in 2000.