Concerned Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have called upon the party leadership and the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, to intervene in the ongoing dispute between George Oti Bonsu and Abu Ramadan.
George Oti Bonsu is a prominent financier of the NPP, whilstAbu Ramadan is closely related to the wife of the party’s 2024 flagbearer, Samira Bawumia.
In two separate petitions dated July 10 and 20, 2024 addressed to the NPP national executives and the National Chief Imam respectively, the group requested for a peaceful resolution of the impasse and highlighted the pivotal roles played by Oti Bonsu and Abu Ramadan in the party.
The petition was signed by Reverend (Rtd.) Dickson Kankam Boadu, Chairman, and Diaspora Representative, Nana Ekow Annan Nyarko, First Vice Chairman, Francis Tosu Yao, Secretary, Zakaria Sukemana, Director of Operations and Madam Cynthia Akumoa Boateng, Women’s Commissioner.
The group sought the intervention of the National Chief Imamto quell the escalating tension between Oti Bonsu and Abu Ramadan.
Highlighting Oti Bonsu’s positive contributions to the Muslim community, including the construction of a mosque named after him at Asante-Akyem Agogo, the group appealed for the Chief Imam’s wisdom and influence in fostering peace.
Mr. Bonsu was said to have caused the construction of the said Mosque and has demonstrated his love and friendship to the Islamic faith through various donations of several Jilbabs, Sedajahe/Prayer mats, etc.
It was the humble plea of the group that the Chief Imam will be a peace broker in the matter.
The petition also expressed dismay over the prolonged silence from the party’s leadership regarding the conflict. The Concerned Members noted in the petition that though silence may sometimes be perceived as golden, it raises serious concerns among the foot soldiers and ordinary card-bearing members.
The group underscored the urgency of addressing the matter, particularly in the light of the upcoming general elections. They emphasised that the unresolved conflict could potentially undermine the party’s unity and support base needed for a successful re-election bid.
Background
The dispute reportedly stems from a demolition exercise on April 7, 2024, which affected several buildings owned by George Oti Bonsu in Adjiriganor, Accra. Mr Bonsu alleged that one Hajia Aisha Ahmed, who is also claiming ownership of the land, brought masked military men to demolish the ten-storey building on the land, totaling approximately US$3.5 million.
