Kennedy Agyapong has been endorsed by former Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Alex Ampaabeng, who described him as the right candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) into the 2026 presidential election.
In a striking comparison, Dr Ampaabeng likened Agyapong to former United States President Donald Trump, Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi, and Thailand’s Thaksin Shinawatra – all businessmen-turned-politicians known for their disruptive political styles.
Dr. Ampaabeng said his support for the former Assin Central MP was not based on personal gain or betrayal of others within the party, but on overwhelming feedback from the grassroots who believe Kennedy Agyapong embodies the leadership style Ghana currently needs.
“To me, whatever decision I am making is nothing based on betrayal. It is based on the information I have received on the grounds,” he stated. He emphasised that his choice is anchored in conviction and signals a shift toward more practical leadership focused on economic transformation.
Dr Ampaabeng aligned Agyapong with global figures who, in his words, disrupted the status quo and brought change through boldness, confidence, and a business-driven mindset.
“We have Donald Trump. We have Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand. Kennedy is the Berlusconi, the Donald Trump, Thaksin that we have in Ghana”
Dr. Alex Ampaabeng, Former Deputy Finance Minister
He suggested that the qualities these men represented – defiance of conventional politics, a track record in private enterprise, and strong appeal among working-class voters – are present in Agyapong and needed now more than ever.
Job Creation and Business Acumen
Dr. Ampaabeng identified Ghana’s unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth, as a national emergency that requires a leader who understands business and job creation.
He argued that professional politicians have had their chance and failed to deliver the scale of economic renewal that Ghana requires.
“I do believe that he has the answer to Ghana’s unemployment problem. And I think that the time is right. Kennedy is the right candidate. Youth unemployment is a big problem, and so far, people in business have demonstrated that they can do well”
Dr. Alex Ampaabeng, Former Deputy Finance Minister
In his view, Agyapong’s business background and experience in the private sector offer the right foundation for a leader who can reset Ghana’s economic direction with pragmatic policies and entrepreneurial solutions.
Dr. Ampaabeng was careful to distance his support from suggestions of intra-party betrayal, especially regarding former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also expected to contest the NPP flagbearer position.
He maintained that his decision was not motivated by factional politics but by a belief in Kennedy Agyapong’s capacity to win power and transform the country. “It has nothing to do with the betrayal of Dr Bawumia,” he affirmed.
With the NPP’s presidential primaries slated for January 31, 2026, Dr. Ampaabeng becomes one of the most senior former government officials to openly declare support for Agyapong’s bid.
The endorsement is likely to sharpen internal party debate as delegates and observers assess the viability of a candidate who positions himself outside the party’s traditional elite.
Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign has increasingly drawn interest from sections of the party’s base that favour an outsider approach to governance. Known for his confrontational style and independence, Agyapong has presented himself as a man of action, not bureaucracy.
Dr. Ampaabeng’s endorsement signals growing momentum around that message and further positions Agyapong as a serious contender ahead of the NPP primaries.
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