Former Member of Parliament and former NPP presidential aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, stated that the party has never been known to reward poor performance with a second chance, especially when it comes to selecting its presidential candidate. Speaking at Mampong in the Ashanti Region during a visit to mourn the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Agyapong addressed a gathering of party loyalists, emphasizing that the NPP’s electoral history demonstrates that “performance is non-negotiable.”
“The NPP doesn’t offer 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 asserted, making an indirect reference to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who led the party in the 2024 general elections but lost to the NDC.
According to the former Assin Central MP, party tradition shows that second chances are earned through electoral performance, not handed out based on sentiment or incumbency. “Even President Kufuor had to impress in 1996 before being given another shot in 2000. Nana Addo also proved himself before his eventual win,” he said.
Citing the example of the late Prof. Adu Boahen—NPP’s 1992 flagbearer—Agyapong noted that despite his contributions to Ghana’s democratic struggle, the party chose to move on after his defeat. “That tells you the NPP rewards performance, not sympathy,” he said
Ken Agyapong’s comments come at a time of renewed internal reflection within the NPP, as the party regroups following its defeat in the 2024 elections. His remarks are expected to reignite debate over the direction of the party and the performance of its current leadership.
The former lawmaker emphasised that loyalty to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should be based on results and accountability, rather than blind support. John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the general election held on December 7, 2024.
He received 6,591,790 votes, which accounted for 56.42% of the valid ballots cast. His nearest competitor, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP, obtained 4,877,611 votes, representing 41.75%. Mahama’s victory not only marked a personal success but also signified a major accomplishment for the NDC, which secured a majority in Parliament.
By: Jonathan Adjei
