The acting General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has warned communicators of the party to avoid commenting on the recent exchanges between the party’s Northern Regional Chairman, Bugri Naabu, and the Minister of Gender and Social Protection, Otiko Afisa Djaba.

According to him, any party member who comments on the matter will be “sanctioned”.

Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Accra-based Asempa FM on Monday 8 May, Mr Boadu warned: “I don’t want to hear any party member commenting on this matter, especially in the media… I’m emphasising – anyone who speaks on the matter will be sanctioned.”

He said the feud was “unfortunate” and called on both factions to exercise restraint and let sleeping dogs lie while the party resolves the situation internally.

Ms Djaba and Mr Naabu have been at each other’s neck following a supposed meeting the Gender Minister had with some women’s group in the Northern Region.

Ms Djaba accused Mr Naabu of extorting money, cows, and goats from people with the promise to secure them appointments in the Akufo-Addo government in a radio interview after Mr Naabu had interrupted her meeting with the women on Friday, 5 May.

Mr Naabu, in his defence, described the meeting as “illegal” and “unconstitutional” because she had not informed him of the meeting. He also alleged that Ms Djaba was meeting with the women to introduce her choice of School Feeding Programme coordinator to them, an allegation Ms Djaba has denied.