By Issah Olegor
Former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, suffered an unexpected setback in his home stronghold, the Eastern Region, during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primary on Saturday January 31, 2026, after losing heavily to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The results, released as provisional figures from the party’s election headquarters, showed that despite Dr. Acheampong’s roots and influence in the Eastern Region, delegates overwhelmingly rallied behind Dr. Bawumia, who emerged as the clear winner in the region.
According to the provisional tally from the Eastern Region, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia secured 10,487 votes, defeating Dr. Bryan Acheampong who polled 5,918 votes, while former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong placed third with 3,867 votes.
The remaining candidates recorded marginal numbers, with former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum receiving 76 votes, and Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong polling 22 votes.
The Eastern Region outcome was particularly significant because Dr. Acheampong had been expected to command strong support there, given his political base and longstanding networks within the party.
His defeat in the region is being interpreted by analysts as a major blow to his national ambition and a strong signal of Dr. Bawumia’s dominance across key party territories.
Unexpected Breakthrough In Volta Region
While Dr. Acheampong struggled in his home region, he recorded a surprising victory in the Volta Region, an area traditionally considered a difficult political terrain for the NPP.
Provisional results from the Volta Region showed Dr. Acheampong emerging on top with 5,234 votes, beating Dr. Bawumia who secured 4,093 votes. Kennedy Agyapong followed with 1,982 votes, while Dr. Adutwum polled 125 votes and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong obtained 43 votes.
Bryan Acheampong’s performance in Volta has raised eyebrows within political circles, with some observers describing it as one of the unexpected regional outcomes of the entire primary.
Contest
The NPP presidential primary was held at a critical moment for the party as it seeks to reorganize and rebuild following its defeat in the 2024 general elections. With the party in opposition, the flagbearer race attracted intense attention, as delegates looked for a candidate capable of uniting the party and leading it back to power in the 2028 elections.
Dr. Bryan Acheampong entered the contest as one of the most resourceful aspirants, with deep party networks and a reputation as a strategic organizer.
However, the results from key regions such as Eastern have underscored the scale of competition and the strength of Dr. Bawumia’s support among delegates nationwide.
Regional Results Highlight Shifting Dynamics
The contrasting outcomes — defeat in Eastern and victory in Volta — reflect the complex internal dynamics of the NPP’s delegate system and the unpredictable nature of the 2026 presidential primary.
As counting continues across other regions, the results so far suggest that while Dr. Acheampong may have pockets of strong support, Dr. Bawumia’s dominance in major party strongholds remains decisive in shaping the overall contest.
The NPP’s final declaration of results is expected to confirm who will ultimately carry the party’s flag into the high-stakes 2028 general election.
