Ernest Owusu Bempah, Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has alleged that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is no longer backing Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the party’s forthcoming presidential primaries.
In the lead-up to the NPP’s presidential primaries ahead of the 2024 general elections, then-President Akufo-Addo and his government machinery threw their full support behind Dr. Bawumia, who was then serving as Vice President. That endorsement was widely seen as a decisive factor in Bawumia’s primary victory.
Despite the institutional backing, Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, mounted a strong challenge, securing 37.41% of valid votes. Bawumia won the primaries with 61.43%.
Following the NPP’s humiliating defeat in the 2024 general election, internal debate has emerged over who should lead the party into the 2028 polls. While some members are pushing for Bawumia to be retained as flagbearer, others argue for a fresh face.
Speaking in an interview with Kwesi Parker-Wilson on Oyerepa Breakfast Time, the former Communications Director of Ghana Gas claimed that Dr. Bawumia has lost the support of the party establishment.
“Looking at the entire establishment—when Akufo-Addo was in power, CEOs, Ministers, MMDCEs—everyone in the system endorsed Dr. Bawumia. Even with that support, Kennedy Agyapong still got 37%. Now, the system no longer supports Bawumia. Even former President Akufo Addo is no more supporting him.” he said.
