The Contenders: Profiling the NPP’s presidential primary aspirants
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for its presidential primary journey with five formidable aspirants having successfully filed their nominations, Ghana’s political landscape may be set to witness a fascinating battle of experience, expertise, and vision, albeit in an internal election.
From seasoned technocrats to dynamic entrepreneurs, from veteran politicians to accomplished academics, all five aspirants have promised diverse pathways to leadership within the party’s democratic framework, but with one common denominator: Unity and restoration.
A closer look at the five candidates vying to lead the New Patriotic Party into the 2028 general elections.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia: The Economic Messiah cum Frontrunner
At 61, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia stands as perhaps Ghana’s most recognizable face in economic policy and digital transformation. Born in Tamale to Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia and Hajia Mariama Bawumia, the former Vice President is regarded as the frontrunner in the contest.
Dr. Bawumia’s academic credentials are impeccable — a First Class Honours degree in Economics from Buckingham University (1987), a master’s degree from Lincoln College, Oxford, and a PhD in Economics from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver (1995). His specialty spans across macroeconomics, international economics, development economics, and monetary policy, positioning him as a technocrat’s technocrat.
From the lecture halls of the Emile Woolf College of Accountancy in London, and Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, the “Economic Wizkid” returned to Ghana in 2000 and emerged as a key figure in the country’s economic transformation, rising through the ranks at the Bank of Ghana to become Deputy Governor in 2006, under former President J.A administration.
As Vice President from 2017-2025, Bawumia championed Ghana’s digital revolution, spearheading initiatives including the National Identification System (Ghana Card), Mobile Money Interoperability, and the National Health Insurance App.
Hon. Kennedy “Akompreko” Ohene Agyapong
Former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, 65, can be described as a self-made businessman-turned-politician. Born in Assin Dompim in the Central Region, Kennedy Agyapong’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a notably successful entrepreneur and an outspoken parliamentarian reads like a masterclass.
Educated at Adisadel College before pursuing studies at Fordham University in New York, Agyapong’s American adventure shaped his business acumen and global perspective, with his diverse business empire spanning agriculture (Assin Farms), retail (Hollywood Shopping Centre), and media ventures (Oman FM, Ashh FM, Net 2 TV).
Politically, Kennedy Agyapong has been undefeated in parliamentary contests since 2000, first representing Assin North and later Assin Central, until he vacated his seat to pursue a presidential bid in 2023. His 24-year tenure in Parliament saw him chair the 8th Parliament’s Defense and Interior Committee in 2021.
Known for his fiery commentary and controversial statements, Kennedy Agyapong’s populist appeal resonates quite well with his “very attractive” support base.
His 2023 presidential primary campaign, where he secured about 37% of delegate votes, indicated significant support within the party structure.
Dr. Bryan Acheampong
At 52, Dr. Bryan Acheampong perhaps represents the new generation of Ghanaian politicians, academically accomplished, tech savvy, and “strategically minded.” Born in Suhum, in the Eastern Region, he glided from farming community origins to become an influential force within the NPP.
The Abetifi Lawmaker’s educational portfolio is a diverse one. Beyond his MBA from Johnson and Wales University, he holds a PhD in Information Systems from the University of Ghana, postgraduate qualifications in security and intelligence from Georgetown University and University of Leicester, legal training from the University of Law, UK, a two-year service in the US Air Force, a certificate from the Ghana Institute of Journalism, now UniMAC, and some other significant academic accomplishments.
As part of his entrepreneurial ventures, Bryan Acheampong founded INTU-IT, a tech company developing digital systems for public and private sectors, Rock City Hotel, described as Africa’s largest hotel and resort, acquisition of the Okwawu United Football Club, and many other ventures.
Representing the Abetifi Constituency since January 2017, his footprints have been notable, with ministerial experience ranging from national security, interior, and agriculture, led the second phase of Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ 2.0) and the launch of the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP) as Substantive Agric Minister in 2023.
Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong
Born on Independence Day, March 6, 1962, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong carries both the symbolic weight of national aspirations and the personal burden of historical tragedy. As the son of Justice Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong, one of three judges murdered during Ghana’s PNDC era, he comes as one whose political journey is intertwined with the country’s democratic evolution.
Educated at Mfantsipim School and holding a BSc in Civil Engineering from KNUST, Ing. Kwabena Agyapong’s technical background laid the foundation for his later roles in both private and public sectors, working with the Ghana Highways Authority for six years, before moving on to set up his private engineering consulting firm; Constro Consult Limited.
Ing. Agyapong boast of a thick political resume, serving as Press Secretary to President J.A Kufuor between 2001-2006, participating in multiple NPP campaigns since 1992, and serving as the party’s General Secretary before his “controversial” suspension in 2015.
His institutional knowledge of the NPP spans over three decades, arguably making him a repository of party history and democratic values.
Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, 60, is the “Educationist,” embracing education both as a personal journey and national mission.
Born in Jachie, in the Ashanti Region, educational journey took him from Kumasi High School to KNUST, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Land Economy before proceeding to the United States where he earned a Master’s in Education Management from University of La Verne and a PhD in Educational Policy, Planning and Administration from the University of Southern California.
This academic journey culminated in a decade of teaching at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, where he founded the International Studies Academy and later the New Designs Charter Schools in California in 2004.
His return to Ghana marked the beginning of his political career, serving as the MP for Bosomtwe since 2017.
Appointed Deputy Education Minister in 2017 and Minister for Education during former President Akufo-Addo’s second term, Adutwum spearheaded notable reforms in the education system, with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and a vision to transform the educational system beyond infrastructure to curriculum reform and technology integration.
The Contest Ahead
These five are set to go head-to-head with their campaigns before the January 31 primary date, as NPP delegates prepare to elect who will hoist the party’s flag into the December 2028 polls.
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