Bryan Acheampong, the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, has formally declared his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership race, marking a significant step towards his ambition to lead the party into the 2028 general elections. His declaration, solidified by the submission of his nomination forms at the NPP headquarters in Accra, sets the stage for a competitive intra-party contest, with the primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026. Acheampong’s entry into the race adds another dynamic to an already crowded field of aspirants, which includes prominent figures like former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, and former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong. The upcoming months promise a period of intense campaigning and political maneuvering as each candidate seeks to garner support from within the party’s ranks.
Acheampong’s announcement outlines a campaign strategy focused on unity and revitalizing the NPP’s base. He has emphasized the need for disciplined conduct among his supporters and a departure from divisive politics. This call for unity comes at a crucial time for the NPP, as the party navigates the aftermath of the 2020 elections and prepares for the challenge of regaining power in 2028. Acheampong’s message of internal cohesion resonates with the need to present a united front against the opposition and to address any internal fractures that may have emerged within the party. His strategy suggests an understanding of the importance of party solidarity in achieving electoral success.
The core of Acheampong’s political platform revolves around a three-pronged approach to national development: job creation, food security, and infrastructure improvement. These pillars represent fundamental concerns for the Ghanaian electorate and are likely to be key issues in the upcoming elections. By prioritizing these areas, Acheampong aims to connect with the everyday concerns of Ghanaians and position himself as a candidate capable of delivering tangible improvements to their lives. His emphasis on job creation speaks to the aspirations of a youthful population seeking opportunities for economic advancement. Food security addresses a fundamental need and resonates with the agricultural sector, a significant component of the Ghanaian economy. Finally, the focus on infrastructure development underscores the importance of modernizing the country’s facilities to support economic growth and improve the quality of life.
The November launch of Acheampong’s official campaign is anticipated to be a significant political event, marking the beginning of a more intensified phase of his efforts to secure the NPP nomination. He has framed his campaign not merely as a personal pursuit of the flagbearership but as a broader movement to mobilize the youth and reinvigorate the NPP. This framing seeks to broaden his appeal beyond individual ambition and portray him as a leader invested in the future of the party and the country. By aligning his candidacy with the aspirations of the youth, Acheampong aims to tap into a significant demographic and energize the party’s base.
The competitive nature of the NPP flagbearership race is evident in the caliber of the candidates vying for the nomination. Acheampong enters the contest alongside seasoned politicians with established track records and significant name recognition. The contest with figures like Dr. Bawumia, a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics, and others with extensive experience presents a significant challenge for Acheampong. He will need to articulate a compelling vision for the party and the nation to differentiate himself from the other contenders and convince delegates of his suitability to lead the NPP into the 2028 elections. The upcoming months will be a test of his political acumen and ability to build a winning coalition within the party.
Acheampong expressed gratitude for the support he has received from party members across the country, highlighting the groundswell of support he believes his candidacy has generated. The presence of supporters who accompanied him to submit his nomination forms serves as a visual demonstration of the momentum he hopes to build upon. This public display of support is a crucial element of political campaigning, projecting an image of grassroots enthusiasm and building a narrative of growing momentum. In the coming months, converting this initial show of support into tangible votes during the primaries will be the ultimate test of his campaign’s effectiveness.
