The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is gearing up for a crucial presidential primary on January 31, 2026, with five aspirants vying for the top seat.
This election is pivotal, as it will determine the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general elections. The stakes are high, and the candidates are ready to put their best foot forward.
The NPP presidential primary is more than just a contest between individuals; it’s a battle of ideas, visions, and leadership styles.
The party has been a dominant force in Ghanaian politics, and the winner of this primary will be tasked with leading the charge against the opposition. The aspirants are aware of the weight of this responsibility and are campaigning tirelessly to win the hearts of delegates.
The contest so far has been intense, with each candidate bringing their unique strengths and vision to the table. From seasoned politicians to relative newcomers, the field is diverse, and the competition is fierce.
Delegates will have to carefully consider their options, weighing the pros and cons of each candidate.
In this article, The Ghana Report takes a closer look at the five aspirants contesting the NPP presidential primary. We will examine their profiles, campaign messages, and interests, providing an analysis of what each candidate brings to the table.
The aspirants are Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum. Each candidate has a unique story to tell, and their campaigns are shaping up to be memorable.
- Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
Mr Ohene Agyapong, a former MP for Assin Central in the Central Region, is in the race for the second time after his maiden stint in 2023, which saw him place second to Dr. Bawumia.
Kennedy Agyapong, after losing his first attempt to Dr. Bawumia has been consistent in pursuing his political ambition aimed at leading the NPP once again.
He is the first presidential candidate on the ballot paper for the upcoming NPP presidential primaries following a successful balloting process.
His campaign message is centred around job creation, industrialisation, and transforming Ghana’s economy. He’s focusing on leveraging the country’s natural resources to set up factories, process raw materials, and create opportunities for the youth.
His message resonates with Ghanaians, particularly the unemployed youth, as he promises to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Agyapong’s campaign also focuses on accountability, anti-corruption, and transparency, highlighting his commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring public resources are utilised effectively.
- Dr. Bryan Acheampong
Mr Acheampong, a former Minister of Food and Agriculture and the NPP MP for Abetifi in the Eastern Region, is making his debut in the party’s flagbearership.
Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s campaign message is centred around unity, discipline, and renewal within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He is focusing on rebuilding the party, restoring confidence, and leading with purpose.
Additionally, he has promised delegates and the entire Ghanaian people that he will prioritise job creation, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth.
He is the second candidate on the ballot paper.
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr Bawumia, former Vice-President and the 2024 presidential candidate of the NPP, is also taking a second shot at the contest after emerging as the winner of the 2023 presidential primary.
He lost the election to his closest contender, John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in the 2024 election.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign message is focused on unity, grassroots empowerment, and a clear-eyed vision for victory in the 2028 general elections.
As the main mastermind behind laudable initiatives like the Ghana Card, Mobile Money Interoperability, and the Medical Drone Delivery Service, Dr. Bawumia has gained the household name “Mr. Digital Man”.
Dr. Bawumia has been a central figure in the NPP, serving as Vice President from 2017 to 2025 under President Nana Akufo-Addo, beginning his tenure after the NPP’s 2016 election victory and serving as the party’s flagbearer in 2024.
He is the third candidate on the ballot paper, and a series of polls have revealed that he will emerge as the winner in the upcoming primaries.
- Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum
Dr Adutwum, a former Minister of Education and the sitting MP for Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region, is contesting the NPP presidential primary for the first time.
He is known for his transformative leadership in education, introducing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs and revamping technical and vocational training.
Dr. Adutwum promises a clean campaign, focusing on achievements and vision rather than personal attacks. He is confident in his grassroots support and ability to inspire Ghanaians to lead the NPP in the 2028 general election.
After the balloting process, he placed fourth.
- Kwabena Agyei Agyapong
Mr Agyei Agyepong, a civil engineer and a former General Secretary of the NPP, is contesting the flagbearership of the party for the third time, having previously contested in 2007 and 2023.
He has been involved in Ghanaian politics since the 1992 constitutional rule.
His campaign message is mostly centred on integrity, unity, and renewal, urging delegates to choose “value over vanity” in the upcoming presidential primaries.
Again, he has promised to ensure fiscal discipline and value for money under his leadership when he gets the opportunity to lead the party into the 2028 general election.
He says he is the only preferred candidate who can gain victory for the party in the next presidential election. He is the last candidate on the ballot paper.
