A group calling itself the NPP Positive Wing in the Western and Western North regions has accused former Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, George Mireku Duker, of lacking candour after his recent denial of having presidential ambitions.
Mr Duker, who also served as Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, had earlier issued a strongly worded rejoinder rejecting media reports suggesting he intends to contest for the presidency. In that statement, he described such reports as “falsehoods” capable of undermining public perception, the unity of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and his integrity.
“I have never, directly or indirectly, indicated that I harbour presidential ambitions,” he insisted, adding that his political journey was rooted in humility, loyalty, and service to the party.
However, the NPP Positive Wing has dismissed this denial, claiming there is clear evidence to the contrary. In a statement titled “Mireku Duker’s Denial Cast Doubt on His Credibility – The Audio is Authentic”, the group alleged that a widely circulated audio recording proves Mr Duker had indeed spoken of a presidential ambition.
“There is no doubt that former Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, George Mireku Duker, is the voice heard in the widely circulated audio recording. His recent denial does not match the facts surrounding the issue,” the group stated.
According to the group, Mr Duker had on multiple occasions told polling station executives and other party members, particularly after the 2024 elections, that he intended to pursue a presidential ambition and considered reclaiming the Tarkwa-Nsuaem parliamentary seat as a crucial step in that plan.
They further pointed out that his rejoinder failed to mention that the media reports were based on the contents of the audio recording.
Mr Kwaku Adjei, popularly known as Tebua and a member of the NPP, has confirmed that he recorded the conversation at his home during a meeting with Mr Duker in Tarkwa. He has reportedly expressed willingness to provide evidence authenticating the recording if required.
The NPP Positive Wing also criticised the former MP over what they described as “attacks” on former presidents, senior party members, and his predecessor, Hon. Gifty Kusi, in the recording, saying such remarks demonstrated “a lack of respect for party members across the constituency and the country.”
Beyond the current controversy, the group accused Mr Duker of contributing to deep divisions within the party during his tenure as MP, particularly over the compilation of the constituency album. They alleged that some polling station executives were removed while non-residents were added, a move they claim undermined grassroots mobilisation and hurt the party’s performance in both the 2020 and 2024 elections.
“These issues cannot be overlooked. It is important for the party to reflect on these developments, uphold integrity, and restore unity to strengthen its future prospects,” the group concluded.
Mr Duker, in his earlier statement, had called on the public and party faithful to treat the media reports with “the contempt they deserve,” reiterating that he remains focused on supporting the NPP leadership in its quest to recapture power in 2028.
The Bawumia for President Campaign team in September 2024 appointed George Mireku Duker, as the Campaign Coordinator for mining communities before the 2024 elections.
In July 2025, he was also appointed as Dr Bawumia’s campaign coordinator for the Western region. That appointment has faced opposition from some disgruntled party members in the region.
