The grassroots of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Volta Region have rallied behind Hon. Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s bid for the party’s presidential nomination in the 2028 elections. Polling station executives, electoral area coordinators, and constituency leaders convened a press conference in Ho, the regional capital, to publicly declare their support. Their endorsement stems from a deep-seated belief that Acheampong possesses the necessary qualities to steer the NPP back to power after their anticipated loss in the upcoming 2024 elections. They perceive him as a beacon of hope, a leader capable of uniting the party and resonating with the electorate, thereby securing a victory in 2028. This grassroots mobilization represents a significant development in the pre-primary stage, emphasizing the importance of bottom-up support in the NPP’s internal dynamics.
Thelma Chriastabel Adzimah, the Ho Central Constituency Women’s Organiser, articulated the rationale behind their choice. She expressed a lack of confidence in other potential candidates, positioning Acheampong as the sole figure capable of delivering victory in 2028. Adzimah emphasized the grassroots’ “hunger” for power and their unwavering faith in Acheampong’s leadership. She highlighted his responsiveness and grounded nature, portraying him as a leader intimately connected with the party’s base and consistently prioritizing public interests. Adzimah cited Acheampong’s withdrawal from a controversial state property acquisition deal as evidence of his attentiveness to public sentiment, emphasizing his willingness to listen and respond to concerns. This, she argued, is a crucial characteristic for a president.
Beyond political acumen, Adzimah underscored Acheampong’s demonstrable commitment to community development. She cited his various contributions, including the provision of boreholes, educational support, and agricultural inputs, as tangible evidence of his dedication to grassroots progress. This consistent engagement, even outside of election cycles, distinguishes him from other potential candidates, according to Adzimah. She contrasted Acheampong’s consistent grassroots engagement with the more sporadic appearances of other hopefuls, suggesting a deeper commitment to the welfare of the community. This sustained involvement, she argued, solidifies his connection with the people and demonstrates his genuine concern for their needs.
Adzimah also delivered a pointed message to other presidential aspirants and the national party executives. She cautioned against mistaking endorsements from former appointees for genuine grassroots support, emphasizing that the party’s base possesses its own voice and agency. This pointed remark underscores the potential disconnect between the party’s upper echelons and its grassroots, highlighting the importance of genuine bottom-up support. Furthermore, Adzimah called for a fair, transparent, and inclusive internal election process, stressing that the NPP’s strength and survival hinge on the active participation of its grassroots members. She pointed to lingering tensions from the 2023 primaries, arguing that Acheampong is the only candidate capable of unifying the party and mitigating these internal divisions.
Presenting Acheampong as a modern leader, Adzimah described him as a hybrid of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, blending technological expertise with business acumen. This characterization positions Acheampong as a figure embodying the strengths of two prominent party figures, appealing to both the tech-savvy and the business-minded segments of the NPP. She argued that this unique combination makes him the ideal candidate to lead the party into the future, effectively addressing the challenges and opportunities of the evolving political landscape. Adzimah concluded with a resounding endorsement, declaring Acheampong as their chosen leader, the embodiment of their hopes for the future of the NPP.
The press conference, attended by concerned polling station executives, electoral area coordinators, and constituency executives, served as a platform to amplify the grassroots’ voice. Their collective endorsement underscores the significance of bottom-up support in the NPP’s internal dynamics, emphasizing the power of grassroots mobilization. By framing Acheampong as a unifying figure, a responsive leader, and a blend of modern expertise and traditional political acumen, the Volta Region’s grassroots have made a compelling case for his candidacy. Their declaration signifies a crucial moment in the pre-primary stage, potentially influencing the trajectory of the NPP’s leadership race in the run-up to the 2028 elections. Their message was clear: they believe Acheampong is the future of the NPP, and they are willing to work to ensure his victory.
