All five presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party have signed a peace pact committing themselves to unity, mutual respect, and adherence to a peaceful and transparent electoral process ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026.
The agreement is aimed at safeguarding internal cohesion within the party and ensuring collective support for the eventual flagbearer as the NPP prepares for the 2028 general elections.
The aspirants who endorsed the pact are Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President and the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central; and Dr Bryan Acheampong, Member of Parliament for Abetifi and former Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Other members include Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister of Education and current Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe; and Mr Kwabena Agyepong, former Presidential Press Secretary and former General Secretary of the NPP.
The signing ceremony brought together party executives and stakeholders, reflecting an effort by the NPP leadership to manage competition within its ranks and prevent divisions that have historically followed contested primaries. The peace pact sets out clear expectations for conduct before, during, and after the internal elections.
Mr Kwabena Agyepong, a civil engineer and former General Secretary of the party, is contesting the NPP flagbearership for the third time, having previously run in 2007 and 2023. His return to the race underscores his continued interest in leading the party and contributing to its future direction.
Mr Kennedy Agyapong, a former MP for Assin Central, is seeking the flagbearership for the second time. In his first attempt in 2023, he placed second to Dr Bawumia, emerging as a strong contender with significant grassroots support. His participation again signals continuity in the contest and a renewed push to secure the party’s top ticket.
Dr Bryan Acheampong, the sitting MP for Abetifi and a former Minister of Food and Agriculture, is making his debut in the NPP presidential race. His entry introduces a new dynamic to the contest, with supporters pointing to his ministerial experience and parliamentary background as assets in the race.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who served as Vice President and was the NPP’s presidential candidate in the 2024 general election, is also making a second attempt at securing the party’s nomination. Having won the 2023 presidential primary, Dr Bawumia enters the contest with prior experience as flagbearer and remains one of the most prominent figures in the race.
Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister of Education and current MP for Bosomtwe, is contesting the NPP presidential primaries for the first time. His background in education reform and public service has shaped his appeal among certain segments of the party.
Commitment to Fair and Orderly Process
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the General Secretary of the NPP, Mr Justin Kodua Frimpong, described the peace pact as a reflection of the party’s commitment to a fair and orderly process. He said the agreement was designed to ensure that all candidates participate fully in the primaries and accept the outcome once the process is concluded.
According to Mr Kodua Frimpong, the pact commits all aspirants to respect the results of the January 31 primaries and to work together to maintain party unity. He added that the agreement also binds the candidates to support the eventual winner, not only in the 2028 presidential elections but also in efforts to secure a strong parliamentary majority.
Under the terms of the pact, the aspirants acknowledged that the primary process has been conducted in a transparent, inclusive, and fair manner, with equal opportunities provided to all candidates. They pledged to accept the results as a valid and binding expression of the will of party delegates.
The agreement further requires the candidates to promote peace and unity within the party at all stages of the contest. They committed themselves to refraining from statements or actions that could undermine cohesion or create divisions among party members. Each aspirant reaffirmed loyalty to the NPP, regardless of the outcome of the primaries.
On post primary cooperation, the pact states that all aspirants will work diligently to support the chosen flagbearer and contribute to rebuilding the party’s electoral strength ahead of 2028. This includes campaigning for the presidential candidate and supporting parliamentary candidates nationwide.
Any disputes arising from alleged breaches of the agreement will be addressed through the NPP’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms, in line with the party’s constitution. Party leaders say this provision is intended to prevent public confrontations and ensure that disagreements are handled within established structures.
The signing of the peace pact marks an important step for the NPP as it seeks to manage internal competition while presenting a united front to the electorate. With several high profile figures in the race, party leadership views the agreement as essential to preserving unity and maintaining focus on long term electoral goals.
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