Former NPP flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Agyapong has asserted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) does not reward underperformance, especially when it comes to selecting its presidential candidate.
Agyapong emphasised that electoral performance must remain the foundation for any future leadership decisions within the party.
Speaking during a visit to Mampong in the Ashanti Region to mourn the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Kennedy Agyapong addressed party faithfuls, highlighting the NPP’s consistent stance on performance-based recognition.
“The NPP doesn’t give second chances to candidates who fail to deliver. We didn’t do it for Adu Boahen, and we shouldn’t do it now,” Kennedy Agyapong declared, taking an indirect jab at former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who led the NPP in the 2024 Ghana elections but was defeated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Agyapong, the former Assin Central Member of Parliament, pointed out that the party’s tradition emphasises merit and results, not entitlement or sentiment.
“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.
Referencing the late Professor Adu Boahen, the NPP’s 1992 flagbearer, Kenneduy Agyapong remarked that the NPP moved on after Boahen’s electoral loss despite his pivotal role in Ghana’s democratic journey.
“That tells you the NPP rewards performance, not sympathy,” he said.
Kennedy Agyapong’s comments come at a critical moment of internal review within the NPP as it re-evaluates its strategy following the 2024 election loss. His remarks are likely to stir internal debate regarding the party’s future leadership direction and electoral strategy for Ghana’s 2028 general elections.
According to Agyapong, unwavering loyalty to the NPP should be rooted in performance and accountability, not uncritical allegiance.
He added: “The NPP’s electoral history proves performance is non-negotiable.”
He also argued that poor electoral performance should not be rewarded with another opportunity to lead the party into the next election.
Agyapong’s remarks reflect ongoing tensions within the NPP over leadership direction and succession, with many grassroots supporters expressing discontent after the party’s electoral defeat. His comments are likely to stir further debate as the NPP considers its path forward ahead of future elections.
