The political landscape of Ghana is gearing up for a potentially seismic shift as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its presidential primaries in January 2026. Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, has boldly predicted that Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the outspoken former MP for Assin Central, will emerge victorious, overcoming his previous defeat to current Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2023 flagbearer contest. This prediction sets the stage for a highly anticipated rematch and a potential power struggle within the NPP. Boakye-Danquah’s conviction stems from his belief that the upcoming primaries will represent a fundamental shift in the party’s dynamics, overturning Dr. Bawumia’s perceived dominance and ushering in Agyapong’s era.
Boakye-Danquah, a declared supporter of Agyapong, frames the upcoming contest as a clash of approaches, a “top-down” versus “bottom-up” battle, drawing a parallel to the Greek myth of Medusa and Perseus. He contends that Bawumia represents the established, top-down power structure within the NPP, while Agyapong embodies a grassroots, bottom-up movement. This analogy suggests that Agyapong, like Perseus, will vanquish the seemingly insurmountable force of Bawumia, represented by Medusa. Boakye-Danquah’s confidence in Agyapong’s “decisive victory” reflects a growing sentiment among a segment of the NPP base who see in Agyapong a potent challenger to the existing party hierarchy.
The upcoming primaries are not just a two-horse race, however. While the narrative is currently dominated by the Agyapong-Bawumia rivalry, several other prominent figures within the NPP are expected to contend for the nomination. This list includes Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister of Education, Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi and former Minister of Agriculture, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, a former General Secretary of the party. The presence of these additional contenders adds complexity to the race and could significantly impact the final outcome. Each candidate brings their own strengths and weaknesses, constituencies of support, and political strategies, making the primaries a multifaceted contest with the potential for surprises.
The stakes are high for the NPP, which aims to reclaim power in the 2028 general elections after its loss in the previous cycle. The party’s internal elections, starting with the polling station executive elections scheduled for December 6, 2025, will be crucial in shaping the party’s trajectory and determining its electability. The chosen flagbearer will bear the responsibility of uniting the party after a potentially divisive primary contest and leading the charge against the incumbent government. The outcome of the January 31, 2026 primaries will therefore have significant implications not only for the NPP’s internal dynamics but also for the broader political landscape of Ghana.
The anticipated showdown between Agyapong and Bawumia, along with the participation of other contenders, promises to be a closely watched political drama with significant implications for the future of the NPP and Ghana. The NPP’s internal election process, including the polling station executive elections in December 2025, will be a key indicator of the party’s organizational strength and grassroots support. The chosen candidate will need to demonstrate the ability to unify the party after the primaries and present a compelling vision to the electorate for the 2028 general elections.
The coming months will likely witness intense campaigning, strategic alliances, and potentially heated debates as the candidates vie for the NPP’s top spot. The party’s internal dynamics, the candidates’ individual strengths and weaknesses, and the broader political climate will all play a role in determining the eventual winner. The outcome of the NPP primaries will undoubtedly shape the political landscape of Ghana in the lead-up to the 2028 general elections. The contest will not only determine the party’s leadership but also influence the direction of its policies and strategies in its bid to regain power.
