Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe and immediate past Minister for Education, is generating waves within Ghana’s political landscape following his declaration to contest the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential slot. This move positions him as a significant contender for the party’s flagbearership ahead of the much-anticipated 2028 general elections.
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Dr. Adutwum officially announced his decision via a Facebook post, clearly stating his intention to join the race once nominations are formally opened by the NPP. His declaration was accompanied by a powerful statement of purpose: “With humility, conviction, and a resolute heart, I, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, declare my intent to run for the Flagbearership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), should nominations be officially opened by the party.”
Dr. Adutwum is widely acclaimed for his significant contributions to education reform during his tenure as Minister for Education, a role in which he served until January 6, 2025.
Political Scrutiny and Critiques of Adutwum’s Candidacy
Despite the widespread belief in Dr. Adutwum’s potential, particularly given his lauded impact on the educational sector, his declaration has quickly subjected him to intense scrutiny from various political commentators and experts. These critiques primarily focus on his performance as a minister and his perceived exposure to the broader political world, beyond his ministerial portfolio.
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Weak Internal Political Strength – Nii Lantey Vanderpuye
Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, National Coordinator of the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP), has offered a word of caution to the former Education Minister. Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, Vanderpuye advised Dr. Adutwum against campaigning for the flagbearership solely on the merits of his time at the Education Ministry, suggesting that his record in that role is “not without flaws.” While acknowledging Dr. Adutwum’s calm demeanor and commending his decision to enter the race, Vanderpuye urged him to adopt a more modest and personal approach when appealing to party delegates and the wider public.
Vanderpuye elaborated on his critique, stating, “It is good that Adutwum wants to contest the flagbearership. He has a very calm demeanour. But I don’t want him to premise his qualification on his performance at the Ministry of Education.” He further asserted that Dr. Adutwum’s performance as Education Minister cannot be touted as flawless, claiming, “His performance is 50-50. There are things he did right, but there are also a lot of things he did wrong, which won’t give him the credibility he is seeking.”
Vanderpuye’s advice was for Dr. Adutwum to present himself as a humble public servant rather than relying heavily on his ministerial achievements: “He should go out there as Adutwum, a servant of this country. ‘I have served. I may not have achieved a perfect score, but I have served in humility and respect.’ Then people will assess him on that basis.” He also issued a stark warning that public perception of Dr. Adutwum’s tenure could become a significant liability, stating, “If people have issues about your tenure as minister, they will use that to punish you.”
The Least To Succeed Among All Contenders – Elvis Darko
Adding to the skepticism, Elvis Darko, Editor of The Newscenta newspaper, has publicly cast doubt on Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum’s presidential ambitions. Speaking on Breakfast Daily, Mr. Darko described Dr. Adutwum as the least likely to succeed among the current slate of contenders in the NPP’s flagbearer race. Darko’s assessment is rooted in his view that Dr. Adutwum lacks the necessary internal political strength and grassroots visibility required to win such a critical internal election.
“Against the three [other major contenders], he is the one with the least chance,” Darko asserted, emphasizing that “This is an internal political election, and in terms of internal politics, there are dynamics you have to weigh carefully to determine your chances.” Mr. Darko particularly highlighted a perceived disconnect between Dr. Adutwum and the party’s grassroots, noting that while Dr. Adutwum has held public office, his engagement within the party’s deeper structures might be insufficient. “
Dr. Adutwum, we all know, had not been in Ghana for a long time. He came in, won a parliamentary seat, and served in government. But if you want to be the flagbearer of a political party, you need to measure the level of your support—especially among MPs who are closely connected to the grassroots,” he explained.
Darko further questioned Dr. Adutwum’s direct impact at the local level: “If you go to all the polling stations of the NPP, how many people has he directly impacted? When we talk about those who hold the party dear or are actively involved in party-building at the local level, I haven’t seen Adutwum’s name come up.”
The NPP’s flagbearer contest is slated for Saturday, January 31, 2026, where the party will select its presidential candidate for the December 2028 general elections. The race currently have prospective contenders like the 2024 Flagbearer and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former contender Kennedy Agyapong, Former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, former General Secretary Kwabena Adjei Agyapong, Member of Parliament of Abetifi constituency Dr. Bryan Acheampong, and Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.
Profile of Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum: From Educator to Presidential Aspirant
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, born on April 9, 1964, is a prominent Ghanaian politician and a Member of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. He represents the Bosomtwe Constituency in the Ashanti Region under the banner of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Beyond his legislative duties, Dr. Adutwum is widely recognized for his tenure as Ghana’s Minister of Education, a position he was appointed to by President Nana Akufo-Addo on March 5, 2021. During his time as minister, he became known for his proactive and effective monitoring and supervision of schools through unannounced visits.
Educational Background and Early Career in the United States
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum’s roots trace back to Jachie in the Ashanti region of Ghana. His foundational education included attending Kumasi High School, where he earned his Advanced Level Education Certificate. He then pursued higher education at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Land Economy, with a specialization in Business Administration and a major in Real Estate.
Following his education in Ghana, Dr. Adutwum migrated to the United States, where he furthered his academic pursuits. He earned a Master’s degree in Education Management from the University of La Verne and subsequently a PhD in Educational Policy, Planning, and Administration from the prestigious University of Southern California.
His professional career in the United States began with a decade-long stint as a Mathematics and Information Technology teacher at Manual Arts High School. During this period, he demonstrated his innovative spirit by founding the International Studies Academy, which served as a small learning community for students. He also held the crucial role of lead math teacher in the USC/Manual Arts Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI), a program designed to support students from underserved communities.
Dr. Adutwum’s expertise in education policy was also recognized at a national level, as he was part of a task force established by the National Research Council for Career and Technical Education. This task force was charged with developing a national model for career and technical education at both high school and college levels, highlighting his influence in shaping educational frameworks.
A significant milestone in his U.S. career came in September 2004 when he founded the New Designs Charter Schools in California. These schools, established with a focus on providing quality education to underserved communities in South Los Angeles, became a testament to his commitment to educational equity. His ongoing influence in American education was further solidified on September 9, 2021, when he was appointed as a member of the Advisory Board of the Capacity Building Center (CBC) within the School of Education and Information Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Philanthropic Initiatives and Political Ascent
Beyond his professional and political roles, Dr. Adutwum has demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering the youth in his constituency. In 2022, he initiated a commendable scholarship program, granting scholarships to 61 engineering and medical students from his constituency for the 2022 academic year. This initiative brought the total number of students benefiting from his MP’s scholarship for engineering and medicine to 91, steadily moving towards his ambitious goal of supporting 100 students within a 10-year timeframe.
Dr. Adutwum’s political career in Ghana began with his successful bid for the Bosomtwe Constituency seat in the 2016 Ghanaian general election. Contesting on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party, he secured a resounding victory, garnering 46,238 votes out of a total of 54,144 cast, which accounted for an impressive 85.82% of the votes. His closest contender, Veronica Antwi-Adjei of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and then-District Chief Executive (DCE) of the Bosomtwe District, received 7,215 votes, representing 13.39%. In the Seventh Parliament, Dr. Adutwum served diligently on the Works and Housing Committee and the Poverty Reduction Strategy Committee.
His strong performance was replicated in the 2020 Ghanaian general election, where he was re-elected as a Member of Parliament. He secured 57,939 votes out of 68,327 total valid votes, representing 84.80%, against Priscilla Mercy Nketia of the National Democratic Congress, who managed 10,388 votes (15.2%). Currently, he is a member of the Members Holding Office of Profit Committee and the Employment and Social Welfare Committee of Parliament. His consistency in electoral success was further cemented in the 2024 election, where he once again retained his Bosomtwe Constituency seat against his opponent, Abdullah Hamidu of the National Democratic Congress.
Legacy as Minister of Education
Dr. Adutwum’s profound passion for educational transformation was not confined to his work in the United States. Upon his return to Ghana, he applied his reformist vision to the national education system, serving first as Deputy Minister for Education and later as the substantive Minister of Education from 2021 to 2025.
During his tenure as Minister, he championed several key policies aimed at restructuring Ghana’s education system to meet the demands of the 21st century. His notable achievements include:
- Expansion of STEM Education: He spearheaded the widespread expansion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the country. This involved the establishment of modern STEM high schools and the development of curricula with a strong focus on science and technology.
- TVET Reforms: Dr. Adutwum drove significant reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure better alignment with the evolving needs of the labor market and industrial development.
- Innovative Teaching Methods: He introduced innovative teaching methods and implemented digital learning platforms to enhance teacher delivery and improve overall student performance.
- Advocacy for Equity: A core aspect of his legacy is his unwavering advocacy for equity in education, striving to ensure that marginalized and rural communities had equitable access to quality education infrastructure and essential resources.
- Unannounced Visits: He was particularly noted for his unannounced visits to schools, a practical approach to ensure effective monitoring and supervision of educational standards on the ground.
Awards and International Recognition
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum’s dedication and impactful work have earned him significant recognition. In 2019, he was distinguished as the Best Performing Deputy Minister by two reputable research bodies: the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) and FAKS Investigative Services.
Most recently, in June 2025, Dr. Adutwum received official recognition from the United States Congress for his transformative impact on education, particularly in the U.S. and Ghana. This esteemed recognition specifically highlighted his outstanding contributions to underserved communities in South Los Angeles through the establishment of his New Designs Charter Schools.
He was presented with a Certificate of Recognition by Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who represents California’s 37th Congressional District. The certificate commended his enduring dedication to education and his concerted efforts in empowering young people through academic opportunities and innovation. The congressional citation eloquently read: “Your unwavering commitment to New Designs Charter Schools has made a lasting impact on my congressional district. I wish you continued success in all that you do.”
