The race for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2026 presidential primaries is beginning to gather steam as two prominent figures within the party, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the outspoken former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, and Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Member of Parliament for Abetifi and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, officially filed their nominations to contest the party’s flagbearership slot.
Their submissions mark a crucial stage in what promises to be a competitive contest to determine who will lead the NPP into the 2028 general elections.
The filings come just days after former General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, submitted his nomination, with former Vice President and the party’s 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, expected to file his papers tomorrow, Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Speaking shortly after filing his nomination, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong projected confidence in his ability to deliver jobs and economic opportunities for Ghanaians if given the mandate. Known for his blunt approach to politics and business background, Mr Agyapong urged the party’s delegates to focus on results rather than rhetoric.
“I have done it before and will continue to do it. So if I tell you I’m going to create jobs for you, believe in me,” he said. Stressing the importance of practical leadership, he challenged his fellow aspirants to point to what they had achieved beyond promises.
“We are no more going to listen to rhetoric. We want somebody who can create businesses for the youth of this country. I always say that any human being without a job has no life. Do you want life? Then vote for Kennedy Agyapong.”
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
He further appealed to the party to rise above intimidation and selfish interests in the choice of a leader.
“I am begging you in the name of God, let’s hear what Ghanaians are saying. Let’s bring Kennedy Agyapong. When we bring Kennedy Agyapong in 2028, victory will be for NPP. Don’t listen to anybody who’ll come and intimidate you because of his own selfishness.
“The party’s victory is paramount. And therefore, we need to come together without intimidation and make sure we select a winnable candidate that can win the 2028 election for the party.”
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
Mr Agyapong insisted that public sentiment was firmly in his favor, suggesting that his popularity extended beyond political platforms. “In the bars, chop bars, trotro, wherever you go, in the market, Ghanaians are crying for Kennedy Agyapong to lead this country,” he declared.
A Servant-Leader with Deep Experience
Dr. Bryan Acheampong, who also filed his nomination, struck a different but equally determined tone, presenting himself as a servant-leader with deep experience across party, business, and government.
He shared his personal journey of humble beginnings and rise through business and politics as proof of his resilience and ability to transform opportunities into national progress.
“I share this exciting news with you with clarity in my mind, energy in my body, and duty in my spirit. I speak as a servant ready to offer myself fully once again for party, for country, for a future that must belong to all of us.”
Dr. Bryan Acheampong
Recounting his early struggles, Dr Acheampong revealed: “I come from humble beginnings, where values were taught day by day. The son of a teacher who struggled to raise three children—myself and two siblings—in the bathrooms of Mile 7.
“From there, I’ve built reputable businesses and a career in politics. I know what it means to build from the ground up. I know the weight of responsibility. I know how a single opportunity can transform not just one’s life, but an entire family’s future.”
Dr. Bryan Acheampong
Dr Acheampong emphasized his track record of service to both the NPP and Ghana, underscoring his readiness to take up the flagbearership position.
“I have served faithfully in both the party and the government. I have been a grassroots activist, a politician, a policymaker, and a servant of my community. I understand the potential of Ghana, and I believe in the potential of our people.”
Dr. Bryan Acheampong
With the nominations of Mr Agyapong and Dr Acheampong now secured, the contest is poised to intensify in the coming months as the NPP gears up to select its leader.
As the party looks ahead to 2028, the choice of a flagbearer will be critical to shaping its electoral fortunes and responding to the expectations of its grassroots and the wider Ghanaian electorate.
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