Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has emerged victorious in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership contest, securing the mandate to lead the party with 110,643 votes, representing 56.48% into the 2028 general elections.
Dr Bawumia won the race with a commanding majority of votes cast by delegates at the party’s nationwide presidential primary, defeating a field of prominent contenders that included Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who polled 46,554 votes, representing 23.76%, former Minister for Food and Agriculture and Abetifi MP, Dr Bryan Acheampong, who polled 36,303 votes, representing 18.53%; former Minister of Education and Bosomtwi MP, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum 1,999 votes, representing 1.02%; and former NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, who had 402 votes representing 0.21%.
Dr Bawumia thanked party delegates for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to unite the party ahead of the 2028 polls.
He called on his former rivals to rally behind a common vision, stressing that unity would be critical for the NPP’s quest to “break the eight” and secure an unprecedented third consecutive term in government.
Party officials described the primary as largely peaceful and transparent, commending delegates for their participation and commitment to the democratic process within the party.
With the flagbearership contest concluded, the NPP is expected to intensify preparations for the 2024 elections, as Dr Bawumia begins the task of consolidating support across the party and appealing to the broader Ghanaian electorate.
However, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has accepted the outcome of the party’s presidential primary, saying he was prepared for either victory or defeat.
Addressing supporters on Saturday, January 31, 2026, Agyapong said, “I am a veteran politician, so I know. I have gone through several defeats, so I cushion myself and expected the worst, and the worst has happened, but the worst doesn’t mean that is the end of life.
“So keep faith alive and be happy with the outcome. Who knows what will happen tomorrow…The delegates have spoken, and we have to take it. We don’t know what is in store for us tomorrow.”
He expressed gratitude to his campaign team and urged them to remain optimistic.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Team Ken for the wonderful work you’ve done. We all admit we worked hard, but God’s time is the best. He knows what is good for us. I know most of you are dejected; you have to keep your spirit up because once we have life, we have everything. I have taken it coolly because in politics you can win, you can lose,” he said.
Agyapong also stressed the importance of party unity, cautioning against divisive statements.
