Akufo-Addo had to implore Kennedy Agyapong, the member of parliament for Assin Central, to campaign for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the recently concluded by-election in Assin North.
According to him, NPP flagbearer hopeful Ken Agyapong decided not to campaign in Assin North after observing that the party leadership was using the campaign to promote one of his rivals, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
In an interview with Kessben TV on June 29, 2023, Frimpong Ziega stated that instead of campaigning for the NPP candidate for the by-election, Charles Opoku, the NPP was unnecessarily focusing on Dr. Bawumia.
"The president was compelled to beseech Mr. Kennedy Agyapong. He decided not to go because he realized they were using the By-Election in Assin North to campaign for the vice president.
"The vice president does not require this type of'mafiano' to become a candidate; he will succeed regardless.
"Ken Agyapong decided not to go because they planned the campaign in a way that would disadvantage any presidential candidate who went there," he said in Twi.
He also stated that the NPP lost the by-election in Assin North because the party, commanded by its Central Regional Chairman Robert Kutin, decided not to field Adwoa Adjeiwaa Mensah, the more likely candidate to win the primaries.
He added that because of the treatment of Alan Kyerematen, a number of NPP supporters decided not to vote.