The New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ghana’s leading opposition party, is set to hold a significant election on January 31, 2028, to select its flagbearer for the upcoming general elections. This early selection aims to provide the chosen candidate ample time for campaigning and voter outreach ahead of the critical presidential race.
Five prominent figures are vying for the opportunity to represent the NPP, including former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Over 200,000 delegates from the party will cast their votes at 333 polling stations spread across 276 constituencies throughout the country. Voting is scheduled to commence at 7 AM and conclude at 2 PM (GMT).
Joseph Osei-Owusu, the chairman of the party’s presidential election committee, confirmed that preparations for the voting process are well underway. He stated, “Everything is in place for the election. We have made sure to involve all candidates at every stage, addressing their concerns and ensuring transparency throughout the process.”
Prior to the election, all five contenders signed a peace agreement, affirming their commitment to accept the results and support the winning candidate, promoting unity within the party.
Among the candidates is Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who has a background as an economist and previously served as the vice president. His political career includes being a deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana and a representative for the African Development Bank in Zimbabwe. Bawumia was the NPP’s running mate in the 2008 and 2012 elections, and he became vice president after the party’s victory in 2016. He now seeks to lead the party following a significant loss in the 2024 elections.
Another candidate, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has served as the Member of Parliament for Assin Central since 2000. A successful businessman with ventures in media and real estate, Agyapong is known for his outspoken nature and aims to leverage his parliamentary experience for the presidential bid.
Dr. Bryan Acheampong, an entrepreneur and current MP for Abetifi, has held various ministerial roles, including Minister for Agriculture. He brings significant experience in both business and governance to his candidacy.
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the education minister under the previous administration, is also in the race. With a strong academic background in education policy, he represents a new generation of leadership within the party.
Finally, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, a civil engineer and former sports commentator, has a history within the NPP, having served as its general secretary. His return to the political arena follows a period of suspension from the party.
As the candidates prepare for the election, they are focused on presenting their visions to the delegates, all vying for the chance to lead the NPP into the next presidential election against the ruling party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
