As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up to select its presidential candidate on January 31, 2026, former Assin Central legislator Kennedy Ohene Agyapong is being championed by sections of the party as the most credible and electable contender. He faces competition from former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Abetifi MP Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong.
Kwesi Nyantakyi, former President of the Ghana Football Association and a key figure in Agyapong’s campaign, has hailed him as the party’s “most credible and risk-minimising” choice. He argues that Agyapong’s political appeal transcends partisan boundaries, earning respect even among members of the opposition.
“Kennedy Agyapong is one particular politician in Ghana whose popularity knows no bounds,” he said. “There are people in other political parties, such as the NDC, CPP and others who admire and support him and are even asking the NPP to present him as its candidate so they can vote for him.”
Mr Nyantakyi argued that unlike some of the other aspirants who served prominently in the previous NPP administration that lost the December 2024 elections, Mr Agyapong remains largely removed from the government’s perceived shortcomings.
“Apart from him and Kwabena Agyapong, the other three were active members of the government of the NPP, leading to the defeat. So, you can conveniently rope them in and blame them for the poor performance of the party in the December 2024 election,” he said.
He added that Kennedy Agyapong’s “clean slate”, anti-corruption stance and blunt communication style resonate strongly with ordinary Ghanaians.
“The link between him and the inadequacies of the previous regime is minimal. He comes off as somebody with a clean slate, a person of his own with policies you can relate to.”
Mr Nyantakyi further noted that Mr Agyapong enjoys broad appeal across various demographic groups, including Gen Z voters, informal sector workers, religious groups and non-party supporters.
He also highlighted the MP’s philanthropic work and reputation for empathy as qualities that distinguish him from other aspirants.
Kennedy Agyapong has placed job creation and economic relief at the centre of his campaign messaging, a focus his campaign team believes aligns with the current mood of the electorate.
Speaking on the AM Show on Multi TV, Mr. Nyantakyi noted that “Ghana is currently grappling with unemployment, and Kennedy Agyapong remains the only NPP flagbearer aspirant whose campaign message is anchored on addressing this challenge.” He further described Mr. Agyapong’s style as “fearless, courageous, and unconventional,” qualities he believes make the candidate resonate with voters across marketplaces, churches, and public spaces. On Saturday, January 31, 2026, delegates of the New Patriotic Party will cast their ballots to select a presidential candidate to lead the party into the 2028 general election.
Source: Evans Effah
