The Member of Parliament for Abetifi and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has officially declared his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer slot ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Dr. Acheampong made his intentions known during a private engagement with the leadership of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, a gesture he described as necessary given his religious roots and values.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Abetifi MP emphasised that informing the church’s top hierarchy was a moral obligation before going public with his political ambition.
“As a product of the church, it would be a disappointment per my tradition if the moderator hears it for the first time on the radio. So, before a formal announcement is made, I thought it wise to come and inform the moderator of the Presbyterian Church that this is what I have set out to do.”
Dr. Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi Constituency
Dr. Acheampong underscored the spiritual dimension of his political journey, adding that divine guidance would be crucial to navigating what he described as the “treacherous” terrain of Ghanaian politics. “God is a requirement, a requirement for this journey,” he emphasized.
While this early declaration may surprise some political observers, Dr. Acheampong revealed that his decision was not made in haste.
Exploratory Team’s Feedback
He disclosed that an exploratory committee had been tasked to gauge his prospects within the party and among its grassroots delegates.
According to him, the team worked for a month to assess the sentiments of party faithful and returned with encouraging feedback.
“A month ago, I set up an exploratory committee to look into my prospects. They did not give me the green light to contest, but what they did was make suggestions on what the party was looking for and what Ghanaians are aspiring their leader to be, and I think I fit the bill.”
Dr. Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi Constituency
Although he did not elaborate on the specific qualities identified by the exploratory team, Dr. Acheampong’s confidence suggests that he sees himself as a viable and competitive candidate who embodies the leadership traits currently desired by both the party and the electorate.
His early announcement is likely a strategic move to position himself firmly in the minds of delegates and the broader NPP base ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested internal race.
Dr. Acheampong’s background in both security and agriculture, two areas of significant national interest, could bolster his credentials in future debates on leadership direction.
As a former Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and later Minister for Food and Agriculture, his experience across multiple sectors could serve as a central plank of his campaign.
Additionally, his alignment with the Presbyterian Church reflects an attempt to bridge faith and politics, a blend that has historically played a key role in Ghanaian public life.
By first seeking the blessings of the Church, Dr. Acheampong is also projecting himself as a morally grounded candidate with a strong sense of duty to his religious upbringing—a message that may resonate with the party’s conservative base.
READ ALSO: Government Likely to Reinstate Suspended Energy Levy – Analyst
