
In a historic internal election held on January 31, 2026, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer for the 2028 general elections. Dr. Bawumia, the former Vice President, secured a commanding victory with 110,645 votes, representing 56.48% of the total valid votes cast. The primary, which involved over 211,000 delegates across 333 polling centers, was widely described as peaceful and transparent. Following the declaration of results, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo joined jubilant supporters at the party headquarters, endorsing Bawumia as a competent leader equipped with the intellectual depth and experience necessary to address Ghana’s future challenges.
The race saw notable performances from other prominent party figures, with Kennedy Ohene Agyapong securing second place with 46,554 votes (23.76%) and Dr. Bryan Acheampong finishing third with 36,303 votes (18.53%). In a significant show of political maturity and sportsmanship, all defeated candidates—including Agyapong, Acheampong, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyepong—publicly conceded and pledged their full support to Dr. Bawumia. Agyapong, who ran a vigorous campaign, accepted the verdict of the delegates and urged his followers to unite behind the new leader to ensure the party remains competitive in the national polls.
Prominent party elders and officials have hailed the outcome as a turning point for the NPP. Former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye praised Dr. Bawumia as the most impactful Vice President in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, citing his transformative work in national digitalization and economic reform as the opposition National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) "worst nightmare." Meanwhile, former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam warned the NDC to prepare for a "gallant" challenge, asserting that the NPP is now a unified force. However, the primaries were not without internal friction; former MP Kobina Tahiru Hammond revealed he withdrew support from Kennedy Agyapong over divisive remarks regarding religious eligibility for the presidency, highlighting ongoing discussions within the party about inclusivity.
The election was also marked by moments of profound civic dedication and social controversy. Frank Nti, a 37-year-old physically challenged Polling Station Secretary, made headlines by crawling 30 meters on a rugged terrain to cast his vote, an act that drew widespread admiration and highlighted the importance of political inclusion. Conversely, the religious landscape was stirred as Prophet Elbernard Nelson-Eshun was forced to issue a public apology after his widely publicized prophecy—predicting a victory for Kennedy Agyapong—failed to materialize. This prompted calls from election observers for the public to prioritize data and science over spiritual predictions in the electoral process.
Moving forward, Dr. Bawumia has issued a clarion call for unity, urging all factions to set aside internal differences and focus on the "Economic Reset" and national development. As the party transitions from internal competition to a national campaign, the focus shifts to grassroots mobilization and strategic policy innovation. With three years to prepare for the 2028 general elections, the NPP leadership aims to consolidate its base and leverage Bawumia’s track record in digitalization and economic management to secure a mandate for a third consecutive term in office.
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