By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Former Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi, says prominent Ghanaian businessman and well-known, cum “firebrand” politician, Mr. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, is the most credible candidate among all five New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopefuls.
Mr. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for six consecutive terms, spanning from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2025: three terms for Assin North Constituency (2001–2013) and three terms for Assin Central Constituency (2013–2025). He is currently a leading contender for the NPP’s flagbearer position for the 2028 presidential elections.
Mr. Ohene Agyapong is contesting the NPP flagbearership alongside former Vice President and 2024 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Agric Minister and businessman; Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, a former Education Minister; and Mr. Kwabena Agyepong, a former General Secretary of the party.
Speaking in support of Mr. Agyapong, Mr. Nyantakyi said most of the aspirants were closely linked to the previous NPP administration, which suffered defeat in the December 2024 general election.
“Apart from him and Kwabena Agyapong, the other three were active members of the government of the NPP, leading to the defeat. So, you can conveniently rope them in and blame them for the poor performance of the party in the December 2024 election,” he said.
He argued that Kennedy Agyapong’s association with the shortcomings of the previous administration was minimal, making him a more attractive option to voters.
“The link between him and the inadequacies of the previous regime is minimal or remotely indirect. He comes off as somebody with a clean slate. He comes as a person of his own and with policies you can relate to,” Mr. Nyantakyi said forcefully.
According to him, the former Assin North and Central lawmaker enjoyed broad appeal across different segments of the population, including young people and non-party members.
“Not surprisingly, the Gen Z, the older generation, and people who are not members of the NPP relate so well with Kennedy Agyapong. So, I think that he stands tall and has the traits that will make him an electable candidate in 2028,” he added.
Mr. Nyantakyi noted further that Mr. Ohene Agyapong’s message distinguished him from the other contenders, describing him as an unconventional and courageous politician.
“His message sets him apart from the rest. Apart from the likability for him as a person, he comes across as an unconventional politician, very courageous, truthful, and honest,” the former CAF Vice President reiterated.
He noted that Mr. Ohene Agyapong was often praised for his empathy and support for vulnerable people, citing his philanthropic activities as evidence of his concern for ordinary Ghanaians.
Mr. Nyantakyi also said unemployment remained a major national challenge and praised Mr. Agyapong for making job creation central to his campaign.
“In Ghana, as we speak now, we are faced with an issue of unemployment, and he is the only NPP flagbearer aspirant whose message hinges on unemployment,” he said.
