Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has disclosed that after his defeat in the 1996 presidential election, sections of his own party worked behind the scenes to block his attempt at leading the New Patriotic Party (NPP) into the 2000 elections.

In a recent interview, the former President opened up about the intense internal battles he endured as he sought a second chance at the presidency.

Looking back at the 1996 results, where he polled 39 per cent against then-incumbent Jerry John Rawlings, Kufuor described his performance as strong.

However, instead of rallying behind him, some party members allegedly began plotting his political exit.

“Even before preparations for the next election began, there were people within my own party who wanted me pushed aside,” he recalled.

He revealed that damaging accusations were deliberately circulated to destroy his credibility, including claims that he had mishandled funds raised during a fundraising tour in the United States.

“They alleged that supporters in America raised $100,000 for the party and that I had secretly paid it into my personal account. That allegation was completely false,” he said.

To settle the matter, the NPP leadership at the time instituted a formal inquiry led by lawyer A.K. Deku, following directives from then party chairman, Peter Ala Adjetey.

According to Kufuor, when those who made the accusations were summoned to prove their claims, they failed to present any evidence to support the allegations.

“In the end, nothing was established against me. One of the accusers has since passed on, while the other is still alive,” he stated.

The outcome of the investigation cleared his name and allowed him to contest the party’s flagbearership.

At the NPP’s national congress in Sunyani in 1998, Kufuor emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, a decision that eventually led to his historic victory in the 2000 general elections.