Just six months after the recent presidential elections in December 2024, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ghana’s major opposition party, has officially set the date for its presidential primaries. The contest to elect the party’s flagbearer for the December 2028 general elections will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
This crucial decision was made during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Justin Frimpong Kodua, the NPP’s General Secretary, confirmed the date, emphasizing that the National Council’s decision is final and does not require further approval from a delegates’ conference.
The announcement has ignited significant anticipation within the party, known for its historically fierce internal contests. Party officials have stated that comprehensive nomination guidelines, timelines for campaign activities, and a code of conduct for aspirants will be released in the coming weeks. The NEC has also assured members of a transparent and credible process, upholding the democratic values of the NPP.
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The Contenders: Who’s in the Race?
The race for the NPP flagbearer began almost immediately after Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President and the party’s 2024 Flagbearer, conceded defeat in the last election. Several prominent figures have either declared their intentions or are widely expected to contest.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia:
The former Vice President has given the strongest indication of his intention to run again. His recent “thank you tour” across the country has served as a clear confirmation of his presidential aspirations for 2028.
Kennedy Agyapong:
A former contender in the last primaries, Kennedy Agyapong has also declared his intention to contest the flagbearership again. He notably commenced his campaign shortly after the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general election to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His flyers were indeed flying all over the internet with the hashtags like #Ken2028,
Yaw Osei Adutwum:
The former Minister for Education has also expressed interest in the flagbearership. However, a deleted Facebook post announcing his intention created some confusion among the public. Despite this, he remains a name in consideration.
Other Potential Aspirants:
Former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, is also highly likely to join the race. Additionally, former General Secretary, Kwabena Adjei Agyapong, has made recent comments on radio that suggest he may run again. The NPP’s competitive nature means other names could emerge as the primary date approaches.
An Opposition View: Dr. Bawumia’s Strengths and Challenges
Hamza Suhuyini, a member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team, offered an interesting perspective on the NPP’s internal dynamics. Appearing on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, June 18, Suhuyini described Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the NPP’s strongest contender for leadership in 2028.
However, Suhuyini also voiced concern that internal power struggles within the NPP could undermine Dr. Bawumia’s prospects and hinder any potential for political renewal under his leadership. “Whatever way you look at it, the initiative to organise an early congress is simply driven by the motivation to control, not an opportunity to rebuild and ensure transformation in the politics of the NPP,” he stated. “And that is why I feel that this party under this current leadership seems to be doing Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia so much harm.”
Despite being an opposition figure, Suhuyini acknowledged Dr. Bawumia’s perceived advantage over other aspirants, regardless of the primary’s timing. “From where I sit, you can turn the ‘As’ up or down, whether congress is held today or a year from now, I know that Dr. Bawumia is in a better position to lead the NPP than any of the contenders, in all honesty,” he remarked.
He further advised Dr. Bawumia to remain vigilant and not allow political handlers to derail the trust that could be placed in him. “He must learn useful lessons. He must not allow these guys to destroy the responsibility that the party will entrust to him to reform. And this is harmless advice to him,” Suhuyini added, concluding that he would be “hugely surprised” if Bawumia is not chosen to lead the party into the 2028 polls.
