Bawumia and Bryan Acheampong Have Soft Showdown During Mamponghene Funeral

• Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr. Bryan Acheampong met during the Mamponghene funeral
• Bawumia is widely expected to launch a bid to be the NPP’s presidential candidate following his 2024 election defeat
• Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi, has also been tipped to contest the party’s flagbearership

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, had a lighthearted showdown during the final funeral rites of the late Mamponghene.

The two are potential rivals for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership ahead of the next presidential election in 2028.

In a video from the event, Bawumia is heard playfully telling Acheampong, “You want to worry me."

Bawumia is widely expected to seek re-election as the NPP’s presidential candidate following his comprehensive defeat in the 2024 election.

Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi, has also indicated an interest in contesting the party’s flagbearership.

Other notable figures rumoured to be considering bids include former MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong and former Minister of Education and MP for Bosomtwe, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.

Kennedy Agyapong attacks Bawumia

Over the weekend, Agyapong criticised a potential Bawumia flagbearship.

He said the NPP was not known to reward poor performance with a second chance.

Speaking during the funeral, Agyapong told a gathering of party loyalists that the NPP’s electoral history proves ‘performance is non-negotiable.’

“The NPP doesn’t give second chances to candidates who fail to deliver. We didn’t do it for Adu Boahen, and we shouldn’t do it now,” Ken Agyapong declared, taking an indirect jab at former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who led the party in the 2024 general elections but lost to the NDC.

“Even President Kufuor had to impress in the 1996 election before being given another shot in 2000. Nana Addo also proved himself before his eventual win."

Bryan Acheampong's vision for the NPP

Acheampong seemingly started his campaign for the NPP leadership on June 4 with a message calling for unity and reflection within the party.

In the Pidgin English message, he acknowledged the NPP’s loss in the 2024 general election and urged party members to reflect on the outcome and reconnect with the electorate.

“We went for an election in 2024 that did not go well when it comes to the result... But this is the time to reflect and see what Ghanaians didn’t like, for which reason they didn’t vote for us.”

He emphasised the need for internal harmony, warning that disunity and public spats were hurting the party’s image.

“Let us stand together. We must be one in heart and in mind. We should watch our utterances to one another, which is very important. So that Ghanaians will see that we are a united party"

Kennedy Agyapong criticised for dismissing Bawumia's chances

YEN.com.gh collated some reactions to the post shared by @sikaofficial1 on X. Read them below:

@akabayire said:

"Kennedy Agyapong's critique of Bawumia could be seen as a bold move to reshape the NPP's future."

@Chelsea4everA wrote:

"Same noise he made to destroy their party during Addo D's term, and he has started it again, and will later come back to play the blame game."

@eugene_sen26607 said:

"Also, as the saying goes, 'give a man power and get to know his real attitude.' He had power under NPP, and all he did was to insult and act as if the whole world should obey his instructions. JM over Bawumia, but Bawumia over Ken any day."

@kwamebounty wrote:

"One of the reasons why Nana Addo lost the 2012 elections was because of Ken and some statements he made against some tribes. They sidelined him in the 2016 elections, and Nana won. He again contributed to NPP's loss in 2024. The party should advise itself concerning Ken."

@1Yasco said:

"Is it not too early for this?"

Death of the Mamponghene

YEN.com.gh reported on the death of the Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, on Monday, 28 April 2025.

The revered chief's death was announced by the Mampong Traditional Council (MTC).

This came after an MTC delegation, led by Mamponghemaa Nana Agyakoma Difie, visited the Manhyia Palace to inform the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, of Daasebre's passing.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh