— Early Balloting Heightens Tension Ahead of January 2026 Presidential Primary
The stage is set for a fierce internal contest within the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) as five aspirants gear up for the party’s presidential primary, following the official balloting for positions held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the party’s national headquarters in Accra.
The exercise, supervised by the NPP’s Elections Committee, marks the first major procedural step toward the party’s January 31, 2026, flagbearer election — a crucial event that will determine who leads the NPP into the 2028 general elections.
Kennedy Agyapong Tops the Ballot
Outspoken former Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, picked the number one spot — a symbolic position his supporters say reflects his “frontline appeal and bold leadership style.”
Mr. Agyapong, who made a strong showing in the 2023 super delegates’ conference, has framed his campaign around discipline, honesty, and job creation, themes that have resonated strongly with the party’s grassroots.
Speaking after the exercise, a member of his campaign team described the draw as “divine timing,” insisting that “number one is exactly where Kennedy belongs — first on the ballot, and first in the hearts of the people.”
Bryan Acheampong Draws Second, Bawumia Third
Former Agriculture Minister and MP for Abetifi, Dr Bryan Acheampong, secured the second position, while former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, widely regarded as the frontrunner, picked number three.
Political analysts say Bawumia’s placement could be advantageous, as it positions him “neatly in the middle” — a balance that often appeals to undecided delegates.
Dr. Bawumia’s campaign has focused heavily on continuity, digital transformation, and economic renewal, promising to build on the NPP’s record in government while addressing public concerns about cost of living and unemployment.
Adutwum and Kwabena Agyepong Complete the Line-Up
Former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong picked the fourth and fifth slots respectively.
Both are running on reform-driven platforms, with Dr Adutwum emphasizing education and human capital development, and Kwabena Agyepong calling for a “return to integrity and grassroots accountability” within the party.
The five candidates will now embark on a three-month campaign across all sixteen regions, engaging delegates and outlining their vision for the post-Akufo-Addo era.
Unity, but Underlying Rivalries
While party officials have emphasized fairness and transparency, the atmosphere around the exercise hinted at underlying rivalries.
Party insiders say the January primary will be one of the most unpredictable internal contests in recent NPP history — a test of both delegate loyalty and regional alliances.
The NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, assured all camps that the elections will be conducted “under strict rules of fairness and unity,” warning against acts of sabotage or public attacks that could damage the party’s image.
“The balloting is over, but the real work begins now,” he told journalists.
“Our goal is to emerge from this process stronger, united, and ready for 2028.”
A Contest of Generations and Visions
Political observers say the NPP primary has evolved into a contest of generations and visions — with seasoned politicians like Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong facing off against reformist voices like Adutwum and Kwabena Agyepong, and a more security-oriented candidate in Bryan Acheampong.
With the party seeking to maintain power after eight years in office, the outcome of the January 2026 primary will not only decide the NPP’s next flagbearer but could also shape the political landscape heading into the next national elections.
