Samuel Atta Akyea, a prominent figure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, has issued a strong call for decorum and policy-focused campaigns as the party gears up to select its presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. He emphasized the importance of clean campaigning, urging aspirants to refrain from personal attacks, insults, and the use of inflammatory language. Atta Akyea warned that engaging in such negative tactics would not only damage the individual credibility of the aspirants but also undermine their chances of securing the nomination. He stressed that the electorate would ultimately be swayed by solid policy proposals and not by attempts to discredit other contenders.
Atta Akyea’s call for a respectful and issue-based campaign comes as the NPP embarks on its internal selection process, scheduled to culminate in the election of the flagbearer on January 31, 2026. The party, currently in opposition, is aiming to recapture power in the 2028 general elections. The field of contenders includes several high-profile figures within the NPP: Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Agyepong, former Minister of Agriculture Bryan Acheampong, former Minister of Education Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong. The race is expected to be highly competitive, further highlighting the importance of Atta Akyea’s call for a clean campaign.
The former MP directed his advice specifically towards the supporters of the various candidates, urging them to exercise restraint and avoid engaging in mudslinging or any behavior that could tarnish the image of the party. He emphasized the need for aspirants to take responsibility for the actions of their followers and actively discourage any form of negative campaigning. Atta Akyea underscored that the focus should remain on presenting well-defined programs and policies that address the needs of the Ghanaian people. He reiterated that personal attacks and insults would not resonate with voters and would ultimately prove detrimental to the aspirants’ prospects.
Atta Akyea’s appeal for civility reflects a broader concern within the NPP about the potential for internal divisions and acrimony during the flagbearer selection process. A divisive campaign could weaken the party’s unity and hinder its ability to present a united front in the 2028 general elections. The former MP’s intervention serves as a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining party cohesion and focusing on the shared goal of regaining power. His emphasis on policy-driven campaigns underscores the need for the aspirants to articulate clear visions for the country and demonstrate their ability to address the challenges facing Ghana.
The upcoming flagbearer election represents a crucial moment for the NPP. The choice of candidate will significantly impact the party’s chances in the 2028 elections. Atta Akyea’s call for a clean campaign is not merely a plea for good sportsmanship; it is a strategic imperative for the NPP. By focusing on substantive policy debates and avoiding personal attacks, the party can ensure that the selection process strengthens rather than weakens its position heading into the general election. A united and focused NPP stands a better chance of appealing to a broad electorate and regaining the trust of the Ghanaian people.
In essence, Atta Akyea’s message is a call for maturity, responsibility, and a focus on the issues that truly matter to Ghanaians. He believes that the NPP’s best chance of success in 2028 lies in presenting a united front and offering a compelling vision for the future of the country. By avoiding the pitfalls of negative campaigning, the party can demonstrate its commitment to serving the interests of the nation and its people. The challenge for the aspirants is to heed this call and engage in a contest of ideas, not insults, ensuring that the NPP emerges from this process stronger and more unified than ever.
