Bawumia, Acheampong, Kennedy: Who Will Steer NPP’s 2028 Comeback?

Bawumia, Acheampong, Kennedy: Who Will Steer NPP’s 2028 Comeback?

  • After the NPP's 2024 defeat, the party faces internal divisions and must choose between Bawumia, Bryan Acheampong, and Kennedy Agyapong to lead a comeback in 2028
  • A Kanda polling station agent, Nabil Abubakar, has stressed that unity, reconnecting with the people, and focusing on jobs, cost of living, and youth opportunities are key to regaining public trust
  • The agent endorsed Bawumia as the best positioned to unify the party and continue his digitalisation and reform agenda, arguing that Ghanaians prefer stability and progress over disruption

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After the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) devastating defeat in the 2024 presidential elections, where Mahamudu Bawumia secured only 41% of the vote against John Mahama’s 58%, the NPP is contemplating its opposition status and choosing a flagbearer to run in the 2028 elections.

Kennedy Agyapong, Bawumia, Bryan Acheampong, NPP, Ghana Accra
Who wins the NPP 2026 primaries? Party member justifies the upcoming polls. Image credit: Kennedy Agyapong, Bryan Acheampong, Mahamudu Bawumia
Source: Facebook

The New Patriotic Party faces internal divisions, economic criticisms, and a disconnect with voters, which have triggered calls for renewal.

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As the 2026 primaries get closer, three key contenders, such as Bawumia, Bryan Acheampong, and Kennedy Agyapong, as of 2025, are known as potential leaders to bring the NPP back to power in 2028.

Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President, has high hopes and aspirations of continuity. His digitalisation knowledge and passion speak for his economic expertise.

Some divided supporters of the party praise his vision for recovery. Still, others say he must share the blame for the 2024 loss, referencing his past failures in inflation and debt management.

His calm demeanour might unify the party, yet some see him as too tied to the old regime.

Bryan Acheampong, who serves as the MP for Abetifi and former Agriculture Minister, portrays himself as a unifier.

Acheampong, who is known to have been very supportive of the New Patriotic Party and funding the outfit, has a business background and focuses on jobs, food security, and infrastructure.

His awareness of dialogue among rivals and focus on integrity appeals to those seeking a fresh start.

However, questions about his early party involvement are still in doubt, and he must try to expand beyond his region to get nationwide support.

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Kennedy Agyapong, the former MP deemed by some as controversial and also outspoken, is one to look out for in the upcoming NPP primaries.

His unfiltered critiques of party leadership and generous donations underscore his commitment.

Popular among youth for his anti-corruption stance, he promises bold changes like reducing fees and fostering unity. Detractors worry his aggressive style alienates moderates, risking further division.

In all this, the NPP needs a leader who can win the next general elections, inspire the base, and match the NDC’s momentum.

Bawumia offers stability, Acheampong balance, and Agyapong bravery. The primaries will decide, but unity is key; without it, a 2028 victory remains elusive. The party must choose wisely to reclaim its legacy.

NPP, Bawumia Ken Agyapong, Bryan Acheampong, Ghana, Accra, Kanda
NPP Kanda polling agent and other NPP executives. Image credit: Nabil Abubakar
Source: Original

Kanda polling agent shares views on NPP aspirants

An NPP polling station agent, Nabil Abubakar, at Kanda in Accra, known for his staunch support for the party, shared his thoughts and choice among the three aspirants in an interview with YEN.com.gh.

How the NPP must build public trust

The loyalist of the Patriotic Party highlighted the steps the NPP should take to rebuild public trust after the 2024 election loss, considering how obvious it is that the party has most of its trust from the masses, putting the future of the party in suspense.

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“The first thing is unity. After the primaries, the party must rally behind the chosen flagbearer. Aspirants should stop the blame games and propaganda against each other, because our opponents are watching and will use it against us.
Secondly, we need to reconnect with the people by admitting our shortcomings, listening more, and focusing on solutions that directly address jobs, the cost of living, and youth opportunities. Finally, we need a fresh leadership tone, one that shows lessons have been learned and emphasises humility, service, and delivery.”

The NPP polling station agent also noted that the party must keep it simple, focus on jobs, digital opportunities, and affordable living, and show real results. He stressed that the party should speak the language of the youth, engage them directly, and back promises with actions they can see.

He claimed the person with the strongest electability is not just the one with a big title, but the one who can connect with ordinary people, has a clean image, and can sell hope for the future.

He emphasised that it is about winning both the hearts of loyal supporters and the floating voters. According to him, unity is absolutely crucial if the NPP wants to win in 2028.

Read also

"It will take NPP 16 years to return to power with Bawumia as flagbearer": Kennedy Agyapong

His choice among the three aspirants

“Among the aspirants, Mahamudu Bawumia stands out as the best positioned to bring people together. His record as Vice President speaks for itself, and his message has always focused on unity and progress, even when others have gone negative.”

He believes Ghanaians are leaning more towards continuity. Bawumia has already laid important foundations with digitalisation, reforms, and the modernisation of public services.

What people want now is not to start over, but to see these foundations strengthened with practical solutions that improve daily life. He insisted this shows the electorate is seeking stability and progress, not just disruption.

Kennedy Agyapong, NPP Flagbearer Race, IMF, Economy, Self Reliance, Mahamudu Bawumia
Kennedy Agyapong begins unity tour. Source: Ken Ohene Agyapong
Source: Getty Images

Agyapong begins unity tour, urges economic independence

Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that Kennedy Agyapong, one of the aspirants in the NPP flagbearer race, has reiterated his commitment to a self-reliant economy.

Agyapong criticised Ghana's trips to the International Monetary Fund as being a losing strategy.

Agyapong has started a unity tour to ensure that all grassroots members of the NPP come on board ahead of the 2028 general elections.

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

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
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Blessed Antwi (Editorial Assistant) Blessed Antwi is a Ghanaian digital media professional and Editorial Assistant at Yen.com.gh. He has over 5-years of experience in content writing, SEO, and visual storytelling, with experience in entertainment, sports, and political reporting. Blessed has worked with platforms such as Ghcelebinfo, Opera News, Vimbuzz, OccupyGh, and Scooper News. You can reach him on blessed.antwi@yen.com.gh.