Bryan Acheampong
Former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has emerged as the surprise contender in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer race, with his popularity surging by more than 15 percentage points in just two months – making him the fastest-rising candidate in the contest so far.
According to a new survey by the Future Governance Analytics Project (FGAP), Dr. Acheampong’s support jumped from 12.7% in April to 28.1% by June 2025. This dramatic 15.4-point rise positions him as a strong third force behind former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and ex-Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong.
While Bryan’s numbers are rising, the two front-runners are witnessing steady declines, according to the survey. Dr. Bawumia has lost 9.2 points, while Mr. Agyapong is down by 7.8. The survey said this suggests a growing appetite within the NPP for a fresh face and a new direction.
“This is no longer a two-horse race,” one party insider was quoted as saying, and added, “Bryan Acheampong’s momentum is real, and he’s quickly turning doubters into believers.”
Dr. Acheampong’s rising popularity has been credited to a targeted grassroots strategy, focusing on direct engagement with delegates, party foot soldiers, and regional stakeholders.
Unlike his opponents, whose campaigns are more public and high-profile, Dr. Acheampong has focused on behind-the-scenes consultations that are quietly reshaping perceptions, the survey indicated.
It added that the Abetifi MP is presenting himself as a technocrat with real-world governance and business experience. His campaign emphasises competence, unity, and results, setting him apart from the more polarising tones of his rivals.
While Mr. Agyapong draws on populist fervor and Dr. Bawumia leans on his vice-presidential record, Dr. Acheampong positions himself as the “operator” who can stabilise the party and government, according to the report.
The survey also pointed to his experience as a Cabinet Minister and entrepreneur as central to his message, indicating that supporters say he blends political insight with private-sector efficiency, making him appealing to both party elites and the grassroots.
Key Endorsements
The report also noted key endorsement by MP for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, and former Asante Akim North MP, Andy Appiah-Kubi, as a signal to a growing coalition of younger MPs and party veterans rallying behind his candidacy.
The survey indicated that the surge in Bryan’s numbers is also energising younger delegates and segments of the party who are calling for generational change.
With the NPP preparing for what many see as a critical 2028 general election, some believe Dr. Acheampong represents a bridge between the party’s past and future, the survey indicated.
It, however, acknowledged that challenges remain, with Dr. Bawumia still commanding strong institutional backing and a broad national profile.
Mr. Kennedy Agyapong, it said, continues to draw significant grassroots enthusiasm. The survey stated that as the race intensifies ahead of the 2026 primaries, internal alliances, regional loyalties, and strategic decisions will prove decisive, but for now, “Bryan Acheampong’s star is rising—and fast.”
From underdog to contender, his popularity surge is changing the narrative within the NPP, and possibly the future of the party itself, the survey asserted.
A Daily Guide Report