Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has warned that the party risks remaining in opposition for the next 12 years if it repeats the decision to present Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as its presidential candidate in the 2028 general elections.
Speaking during his campaign tour of the Savannah Region, Mr. Agyapong urged delegates to resist persuasion to give a second chance to any flagbearer who has already led the party to electoral defeat, stressing that such a move would cripple the NPP’s comeback prospects.
During his engagement with delegates, the Assin Central legislator pointed to the party’s significant electoral decline in 2024 as evidence that a change in leadership was necessary.
He argued that the 2024 defeat should mark the beginning of internal renewal and reflection for the NPP, not an opportunity to recycle leadership, as he pointed out the disingenuity behind the calls to repeat candidature.
“They will come and tell you, give us a second chance, because President Kufuor went two times, and Akufo-Addo went three times – because they want to deceive you. Adu Boahen went only once – why are they not mentioning his name? Because when Adu Boahen did not perform well, they didn’t give him a second chance”
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, NPP Flagbearer Hopeful
Mr. Agyapong criticised the party’s poor showing in the 2024 elections, where the NPP’s vote count dropped sharply from 6.7 million in 2020 to 4.8 million, as a wake-up call. For him the numbers alone should convince the party that continuity in leadership by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would prolong its stay in opposition rather than restore public confidence.
He maintained that delegates and supporters across constituencies were calling for new energy and a winnable candidate who could lead the NPP back to power, not someone who would keep them in opposition for the “next 12 years” because of an inability to let go and step down.
Mr. Agyapong referenced his popularity all over the country, even in the most remote and unlikely places, and questioned whether the party was more interested in symbolic representation than victory. He stressed that leadership should be about “delivering results and not repeating failure.”
Unity and Issue-Based Campaigns
The warning from the former Assin Central MP comes at a time when NPP’s internal tensions are rising ahead of the January 31, 2026, presidential primaries, alongside growing calls for issue-based campaigning rather than personality clashes by aspirants.
Chairman of the NPP Presidential Elections Committee, Joseph Osei-Owusu, appealed to flagbearer hopefuls to maintain decorum and focus on what they intend to offer the party and Ghana.
He expressed concern about the tone of campaign messages thus far and cautioned that inflammatory remarks could undermine party cohesion long after the primaries are done and dusted.
“I am concerned about the messages of the aspirants. But as much as possible, I want to stay independent because if I venture into commenting on who has said what, the likelihood that I will be accused of favouring A or B or overlooking C is high and likely to affect the integrity of my committee”
Joseph Osei-Owusu, Chairman of the NPP Presidential Elections Committee
Mr. Osei-Owusu reiterated the importance of credibility in the internal process, as he promised fairness, which he said remained the guiding principle for the committee’s work. “At the end, every contestant and every voter will be satisfied – the results will be a reflection of their votes, nothing more,” he assured.
He further urged all flagbearer aspirants to campaign responsibly, focusing on ideas that will strengthen the party’s democratic credentials and properly inform the delegates on who will best represent Ghana’s interests in the high office of the president. “I think that’s all that matters,” he said.
The NPP, which lost the 2024 general elections to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under President John Dramani Mahama, continues to face calls for introspection and leadership renewal.
The upcoming primaries are widely seen as a defining moment for the party’s future direction, with delegates expected to decide between continuity and reform.
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