By: Francis Aweso (Social Worker, Manchester UK)
In Ghana’s dynamic political landscape, few figures have stirred as much passionate debate as Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. A maverick MP known for his outspoken views and grassroots appeal, Agyapong made a serious bid for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership in 2023. Though Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia eventually won the nomination, Agyapong’s performance in the race reignited discussions: Was he the best candidate to lead the NPP into the 2024 general elections?
Agyapong’s Strengths: Charisma, Business, and Base Appeal
Kennedy Agyapong’s appeal is grounded in a powerful mix of business acumen, populist rhetoric, and direct engagement with the Ghanaian masses. He often touts his record as a job creator, claiming to have employed over 7,000 Ghanaians through his various business ventures. For many, this positions him as a leader who has delivered results in the private sector—a refreshing contrast to career politicians.
His fiery speeches and anti-establishment tone resonated with voters in key regions. Polling from early to mid-2023 showed significant gains: his support among NPP loyalists grew from 14% in January to 21% in April, with commanding leads in Central, Greater Accra, and Eastern regions. In the Ashanti and Central regions, he even outpaced Bawumia—no small feat in traditional NPP strongholds.
This growing traction made many question whether Agyapong offered a more authentic alternative—someone unafraid to challenge the status quo within his own party.
The Case Against: Party Loyalty, Unity, and Delegates
Yet, Agyapong’s strengths were not enough to secure the nomination. In the November 2023 primaries, Dr. Bawumia decisively won with around 61% of the vote, while Agyapong secured approximately 37%. The result underlined a clear truth: among party delegates—the ones who matter most in internal politics—Bawumia had overwhelming support.
Moreover, Agyapong’s confrontational campaign style occasionally worked against him. His sharp critiques of fellow contenders and controversial references to religious identity drew concern from party elders and moderates. Prominent voices like Nana Akomea warned that Agyapong’s comments could sow division within the NPP or alienate key voter blocs, including Muslim communities.
A Balancing Act: Popularity vs. Electability
So, is Kennedy Agyapong the best flagbearer for the NPP? The answer depends on how one defines “best.”
• If electability among delegates, party cohesion, and broad national appeal are the main criteria, Bawumia remains the clear choice.
• If grassroots energy, economic independence, and plainspoken charisma are what you value, Agyapong stands out as a bold and potentially game-changing alternative.
In many ways, the 2023 primary race reflected a deeper debate within the NPP: Should the party remain loyal to its establishment roots, or should it embrace a more disruptive, populist edge to meet the political demands of a changing Ghana?
Conclusion
Kennedy Agyapong may not have clinched the flagbearership, but his influence on the NPP—and Ghanaian politics as a whole—is undeniable. He tapped into a potent vein of dissatisfaction and pride among the party’s base, showing that there is room in Ghanaian politics for outsiders to make serious inroads.
Whether he was the best flagbearer remains subjective. But one thing is certain: Kennedy Agyapong has carved out a space as one of the most influential voices in the NPP’s future—and potentially, in Ghana’s broader political evolution.
Francis Aweso (Social Worker, Manchester UK)
