By Daniel Bampoe
The race for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2026 presidential primaries officially sparked to life on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, when a delegation of party stalwarts picked up nomination forms on behalf of outspoken former legislator and businessman, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
The move positions him as the first contender to formally enter the contest, months ahead of the January 31, 2026, election date.
Leading the team to the NPP headquarters was Obuasi West MP, Kwaku Kwarteng, who was flanked by his colleagues Charles Forson (Tema West) believed to be the coordinator for the MPs, Stephen Amoah (Nhyiaeso), and Lawrence Agyinsam (Hemang Lower Denkyira).
The delegation also included Dr. Alex Ampaabeng, a former Deputy Finance Minister in the Akufo-Addo administration, who has publicly declared that Agyapong is “the most suitable candidate to lead the NPP and Ghana into a prosperous future.”
This symbolic show of support comes as the party’s internal race begins to take shape, with influential figures discreetly lining up behind their preferred aspirants.
Agyapong’s decision to be the first to pick up the forms is widely seen as a strategic masterstroke aimed at projecting his readiness, confidence, and staying power.
Political observers say it also sends a message to both grassroots supporters and high-level party power brokers that he remains a formidable force, despite his loss to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the party’s 2023 presidential primaries.
In that race, Kennedy Agyapong surprised many by placing second ahead of more experienced and establishment-backed candidates, like Alan Kyerematen who eventually left the party out of shame.
Known for his blunt, no-holds-barred style and strong appeal among the party’s rank and file, Agyapong is banking on his reputation as a political maverick, successful entrepreneur, and philanthropist to galvanise support.
His campaign is expected to lean heavily on promises of economic revitalisation, anti-corruption reforms, and policies aimed at empowering the youth.
The NPP’s 2026 presidential primaries will be the first major internal contest since the party lost the 2024 general elections to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and President John Dramani Mahama.
With the party seeking a comeback in the 2028 polls, the choice of flagbearer is expected to be fiercely contested, as the eventual winner will shoulder the responsibility of uniting the NPP and restoring its electoral fortunes.
Other likely candidates in the race former Vice President and 2024 flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Abetifi MP, Bryan Acheampong, former Railways Minister, Joe Ghartey and former General Secretary, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong
