The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially entered the next phase of its presidential nomination process, with five contenders now cleared to contest in the party’s upcoming primaries.
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, extended his congratulations to the aspirants on Thursday, following confirmation from the party’s Presidential Elections Committee that all five candidates had successfully filed their nomination papers.
The candidates vying to lead the center-right party into the 2028 general elections are:
1. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, former General Secretary of the NPP
2. Ken Ohene Agyapong, Member of Parliament for Assin Central
3. Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Former Minister for Food and Agriculture
4. Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
5. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Former Minister for Education
In a Facebook post dated August 28, Mr. Afenyo-Markin described the formal submissions as “an important step in deepening our internal democracy and strengthening the party’s traditions.”
With the primaries set for January 31, 2026, the Minority Leader urged candidates and their supporters to maintain a spirit of civility and party unity in what is expected to be a closely watched internal race.
“As we move into the next phase of the process, I urge all aspirants and their supporters to conduct their campaigns with decorum, unity, and mutual respect,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin wrote. “Let us avoid divisive tendencies and remain focused on the bigger goal of building a stronger NPP and advancing our national development.”
The NPP, which brands itself under the slogan “Development in Freedom”, is seeking to retain political dominance following its electoral defeat in the 2024 polls.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin concluded his remarks with a reference to the party’s emblem: “Indeed, the ELEPHANT is a winning symbol.”
The outcome of the January vote is likely to shape the party’s ideological direction and electoral strategy heading into 2028.
