Former Hohoe Member of Parliament, John Peter Amewu, has publicly endorsed Kennedy Agyapong as the New Patriotic Party candidate with the strongest competitive advantage ahead of the party’s upcoming presidential primaries, arguing that the former Assin Central MP stands out in vision, political weight and national appeal.
The former Minister of Railways Development, Energy, Lands and Natural Resources, speaking from his experience as both a cabinet minister and a legislator, said his assessment of the candidates is informed not by speculation but by direct interaction and practical governance experience.
He explained that while many party members and observers may not have had the opportunity to engage Kennedy Agyapong closely, his own dealings with him place the outspoken politician above the rest of the field.
According to Mr Amewu, all the aspirants seeking the party’s flag are capable individuals with unique strengths. However, he stressed that presidential elections, particularly those projected for 2028 and 2029, require more than competence.
“When I have examined all these other five candidates, the best among them, the one that is most competitive in terms of this internal environment issue, is Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
“The competitive advantage Kennedy has for me, which makes me side with him in this particular election, is the call by the citizens who are going to vote.”
Former Hohoe Member of Parliament, John Peter Amewu,
In his view, the contest will demand political depth, grassroots influence, and the ability to command significant public backing across diverse segments of the population. On that measure, he believes Kennedy Agyapong enjoys a clear edge.
He stated that when the candidates are placed side by side, Kennedy Agyapong emerges as the one operating on a higher platform in terms of public support and political weight. This, he said, explains his conviction that Kennedy is best positioned to lead the party into a highly competitive national election and secure victory.
Kennedy Agyapong’s Clear and Practical Vision for Ghana
Central to Mr Amewu’s endorsement is what he described as Kennedy Agyapong’s clear and practical vision for Ghana’s economic transformation. Drawing a historical parallel, he referenced China’s economic reforms in the late 1970s under President Deng Xiaoping, which laid the foundation for China’s rise as a global economic power.
Mr Amewu noted that China’s success was driven by a clearly articulated vision that prioritized small-scale enterprise, private sector participation and value addition at the grassroots level.
He argued that Kennedy Agyapong’s economic thinking reflects a similar philosophy, particularly in his emphasis on domestication and local production. According to Mr Amewu, Kennedy’s message is easily understood by ordinary Ghanaians because it speaks directly to everyday realities.
He explained that the idea of adding value from one’s home, garage or small workshop resonates strongly with people who are already engaged in informal and small-scale economic activities.
Mr Amewu said Kennedy Agyapong’s vision shifts the national conversation away from an economy overly dependent on imports toward one driven by exports and local value creation. In his view, this approach holds the potential to empower individuals, reduce unemployment and strengthen Ghana’s economic independence over time.
Kennedy’s Ability to Communicate Ideas
The former minister also praised Kennedy’s ability to communicate his ideas in simple terms, noting that leadership requires not only good ideas but also the capacity to connect with the masses. He said Kennedy’s economic message is not confined to policy documents or elite discussions but is deliberately framed to inspire action at the community level.
Mr Amewu’s comments come in the wake of a recent poll predicting victory for Kennedy Agyapong, a projection that contrasts with earlier surveys by Global InfoAnalytics which had placed former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the lead.
The shifting poll results have intensified debate within the party and added momentum to Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign. As the New Patriotic Party prepares for its 31 January presidential primaries, several prominent figures have openly declared their support for the former Assin Central MP.
Among them are Dr. K.K. Sarpong, former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Kweku Kwarteng, MP for Obuasi West and former Deputy Minister for Finance and Lawyer Kusi Boafo, former President of the Ghana Bar Association.
Also backing Kennedy Agyapong are Abena Osei Asare, Member of Parliament for Atiwa East and former Deputy Minister for Finance, later Minister of State in charge of Finance, and current Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.
The growing list of endorsements suggests increasing confidence among sections of the party’s leadership that Kennedy Agyapong can unify the base and appeal to floating voters in a general election.
For Mr Amewu, however, the decision is ultimately about leadership vision and electoral viability. He maintained that Kennedy Agyapong combines both attributes in a way that sets him apart from his competitors.
As the primaries draw closer, his endorsement adds a significant voice to the internal contest and reinforces the argument that Kennedy Agyapong’s blend of political experience, grassroots appeal and economic vision gives him a competitive advantage within the race.
READ ALSO: COMAC to Hold Emergency Meeting Over Fuel Price Floor
