The race for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer slot is intensifying as leading contenders step up their campaigns ahead of the party’s January 31, 2026 primaries.
Five prominent figures, namely Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, are seeking to lead the party into the 2028 general election.
Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abetifi, has expressed strong confidence in his campaign, dismissing claims that any party “establishment” could influence the outcome.
Speaking to journalists in Accra, he insisted that the NPP’s delegates, not party elites, would decide who becomes flagbearer.
“There is no so-called establishment that can sway the outcome. The whole party architecture is going to vote, about 250,000 delegates, and I have made an impact on these people. It is going to be free and fair. I am not worried about any influence from any establishment,” he said.
Dr. Acheampong, a long-serving member of the NPP and a former Minister of Food and Agriculture, said his experience and strong connections within the party base give him an advantage over his rivals.
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has also intensified his grassroots mobilisation drive, arguing that the NPP’s 2024 electoral defeat stemmed from voter apathy rather than opposition strength.
Speaking during the launch of his “Our Journey Together” campaign in the Sene East Constituency of the Bono East Region, Dr. Bawumia said the NPP can reclaim power if it resolves its internal issues and boosts voter participation.
“The NPP didn’t lose because of the NDC; we lost because our people didn’t turn out to vote. About 2.1 million supporters who voted for us in 2020 stayed away in 2024. If they had turned out, we would have won,” he stated.
Meanwhile, outspoken former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has vowed never to concede defeat in any election until the Electoral Commission (EC) officially declares the results.
Addressing delegates in the Savannah Region, Mr. Agyapong urged party members to select “bold men” who can unify the NPP and focus on job creation.
“Until the last constituency is counted, I will never accept defeat,” he declared to loud applause.
Former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has been drawing enthusiasm with his “Hope Tour” across the Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, and Western North regions, promoting a message of renewal and unity within the party.
“Like cold water to a thirsty soul, the message of hope is refreshing, inspiring, and awakening a new belief that the NPP has the men, and Dr. Adutwum is the man for the moment,” he said.
Addressing delegates, Dr. Adutwum thanked supporters for their faith in his vision to restore confidence and tackle poverty through education and innovation.
“Together, we are waging a war against poverty, and together, we will win,” he affirmed.
Balloting for the NPP flagbearer contest has Kennedy Agyapong listed first, followed by Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.
The party’s Presidential Elections Committee has assured delegates of a transparent and credible process ahead of the primaries.
By Ernest Kofi Adu