Former President, Nana Akufo-Addo
Former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to close ranks and unite behind Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia following his decisive victory as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2028 general election.
Dr. Bawumia polled 110,643 out of 195,901 valid votes cast, representing 56.48%, to beat his competitors, namely Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (46,554 votes), Dr. Bryan Acheampong (36,303 votes), Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (1,999 votes), and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong (402 votes).
Addressing delegates and party supporters at the acceptance ceremony held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the party’s headquarters in Accra, Mr. Akufo-Addo described the outcome of the flagbearer contest as a moment of renewal for the party, noting that the clear mandate spared the NPP a runoff and provided an early advantage ahead of the 2028 polls.
He congratulated Dr. Bawumia and the delegates who participated in the election, saying their verdict affirmed confidence in the former Vice President’s leadership, experience, and competence after eight years in office.
According to the former President, the victory must now be transformed into a broad-based movement capable of returning the NPP to power.
He urged the party to use what he described as the “longest runway” in its history to prepare for a general election by healing internal divisions, reorganising party structures, and strengthening its parliamentary front, particularly in constituencies without sitting Members of Parliament (MPs).
“This year is for healing wounds, reorganising our structures, and empowering every organiser and communicator in the party,” he said, stressing that every constituency must be actively involved in the rebuilding process.
Former President Akufo-Addo called for an end to factionalism within the party, urging members at all levels to focus on a single objective of securing victory in 2028.
He advised Dr. Bawumia to lead with inclusiveness and decisiveness, and to reach out to all those who contested the flagbearership.
He also appealed to unsuccessful aspirants to demonstrate loyalty to the party, noting that the NPP’s tradition demands unity after internal contests.
Reflecting on his long political partnership with Dr. Bawumia, the former President said he had full confidence in his character, work ethic, and commitment to Ghana, having worked closely with him through four elections since choosing him as his running mate 18 years ago.
He further pointed to signs of economic recovery following policies implemented before the NPP left office, arguing that these gains form a strong basis for the party’s 2028 campaign.
He expressed confidence that under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, the NPP would present a credible plan to grow the economy, create jobs, support enterprise, and protect the vulnerable.
The former President pledged his personal commitment to helping unite and re-energise the party’s base and rebuild public trust, urging members to engage communities with humility, confidence, and hard work.
He congratulated Dr. Bawumia and his wife, Hajia Samira Bawumia, declaring that the journey to the 2028 elections had officially begun and expressing optimism that a united NPP would emerge stronger and ready to govern again.
By Ernest Kofi Adu