Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday begins a high-stakes vetting process for five presidential hopefuls, including former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the first formal step toward selecting its flagbearer for the 2026 presidential primaries.

The vetting, conducted by the party’s National Elections Committee, marks a pivotal stage in what is expected to be one of the most competitive internal races in the party’s recent history. The process is designed to scrutinize candidates’ leadership credentials, policy vision, and adherence to the party’s internal guidelines — a move aimed at reinforcing transparency and party unity ahead of the general elections in 2028.

Dr. Bawumia, who served two terms as Vice-President under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is widely seen as a front-runner. However, he faces formidable opposition from four seasoned political figures, each with a strong following and distinct political capital within the party.

Joining him in the vetting are:

Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, a former NPP General Secretary;

Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, businessman and former Member of Parliament for Assin Central;

Dr. Bryan Acheampong, sitting MP for Abetifi and former Minister for Food and Agriculture;

Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, MP for Bosomtwe and former Education Minister.

All five aspirants are expected to make their case before the committee today, outlining their strategic plans to lead the NPP into the next electoral cycle and present a united front in the 2028 national elections.

Candidates who clear the vetting will be officially placed on the ballot for the party’s presidential primary. The outcome of the primary will determine the NPP’s standard-bearer as it seeks to extend its hold on power in the post-Akufo-Addo era.

The NPP has not yet announced the official date for the primary vote, but party insiders suggest it could take place in early 2026.