Bryan Acheampong, the Member of Parliament for Abetifi and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, has declared his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership race in anticipation of the 2028 general elections. This announcement follows the conclusion of an extensive exploratory process undertaken by a committee he formed in May. The committee’s mandate was to gauge the alignment between Acheampong’s leadership vision and the aspirations of both the NPP and the wider Ghanaian public. The findings, according to Acheampong, strongly support his candidacy, indicating a desire within the party and the country for a leader who can consolidate the party base, inspire the youth, stimulate job creation, enhance national security, and drive infrastructure development.
The report from the exploratory committee identified several key areas where Acheampong’s vision resonates with the current political landscape. It highlighted a pressing need for a unifying figure within the NPP, someone capable of bridging divides and galvanizing the party base. This need for unity underscores the potential challenges facing the party in the post-Akufo-Addo era and the importance of a leader who can consolidate support and maintain party cohesion moving forward. Furthermore, the report emphasized the desire for a candidate with a strong appeal to the youth, a demographic representing a significant portion of the electorate. This appeal hinges on the candidate’s ability to inspire hope and present a compelling vision for the future, particularly in areas such as job creation and economic opportunity.
Beyond internal party dynamics, the committee’s findings also reflect broader national aspirations. The report underscored the importance of addressing key national concerns such as security and infrastructure development. Ghanaians are looking for a leader who can effectively tackle security challenges, ensuring the safety and stability of the nation. Simultaneously, there is a strong desire for continued investment and improvement in infrastructure, which is seen as crucial for economic growth and development. Acheampong believes his vision aligns with these national priorities, positioning him as a suitable candidate to address these critical issues.
Acheampong’s decision to contest the flagbearership was first communicated to the leadership of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, reflecting his strong ties to the church and his personal values. As a devout Presbyterian, he considered it imperative to seek the counsel and blessings of the church leadership, specifically the Moderator and the General Council, before making a public declaration of his political ambitions. This demonstrates his respect for the church’s authority and his commitment to upholding ethical principles in his political endeavors.
The NPP has scheduled its flagbearer election for January 31, 2026, setting the stage for a potentially competitive race. Acheampong’s entry into the contest adds to the growing list of potential candidates vying for the party’s nomination. The upcoming election will be a critical moment for the NPP as it seeks to choose a leader capable of carrying the party forward and presenting a compelling vision for the future of Ghana. The next two years will likely see intense campaigning and internal party strategizing as candidates seek to build support and position themselves as the most viable option to lead the party into the 2028 general elections.
Acheampong’s decision, backed by the findings of his exploratory committee, reflects his confidence in his ability to meet the expectations of both the NPP and the Ghanaian populace. He believes his vision for the country, focused on unity, youth empowerment, job creation, security, and infrastructure development, resonates with the aspirations of Ghanaians and positions him as a strong contender in the upcoming flagbearership race. The contest promises to be a significant political event, shaping the future direction of the NPP and potentially influencing the outcome of the 2028 general elections.
