Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2028 presidential elections, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has assured delegates and members of the party that, under his leadership, he will ensure the legacy of the party’s founding fathers is protected.
Addressing party faithful on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at the NPP headquarters in Asylum Down after the Electoral Commission (EC) declared him the winner of the party’s presidential candidate race, Dr Bawumia also made a clarion call on all party members to put aside differences and work together as the party prepares for the 2028 general elections.
Cooperation
Dr. Bawumia emphasised that the election’s outcome should mark the beginning of cooperation among party members. He appealed to delegates and supporters across the country to let go of any reservations and unite behind the party’s vision.
“Together we stand, divided we fall,” Dr. Bawumia proclaimed to thunderous applause. He emphasised that the primary was merely a family contest, adding, “The outcome of the election should mark the beginning of cooperation among party members.”
He specifically reached out to those who may feel stung by the defeat of their preferred candidates, urging them to prioritise the party’s “Breaking the 8” legacy. “I appeal to delegates and supporters across the country to let go of any reservations they may have and unite behind the party’s vision,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia further expressed gratitude to delegates for their support and pledged to run a unifying and inclusive campaign ahead of the 2028 elections.
He urged all NPP members—including supporters of other aspirants—to come together and work collectively toward achieving a national victory in the upcoming general elections.
Dr. Bawumia stressed that the party’s strength lies in unity, and that moving forward together is essential to presenting the best of the NPP to the Ghanaian electorate.
The Polls
Dr. Bawumia secured a decisive victory, polling 110,643 votes, representing 56.48 per cent of the total votes cast. Kennedy Agyapong came second with 46,554 votes (23.76%), while Dr. Bryan Acheampong finished third with 36,303 votes (18.53%). Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong trailed with 1,999 votes (1.02%) and 402 votes (0.21%), respectively.
The primary saw participation from over 195,000 delegates, who cast their ballots at 333 polling centres across all 276 constituencies. Voting was conducted under tight security and under the close supervision of party officials to ensure a credible and transparent process. Party officials and observers described the exercise as largely peaceful, with minimal incidents reported during voting and counting.
Big Heart
Former President Akufo-Addo, on his part, admonished the newly elected flagbearer of the NPP to lead with a big heart, clarity, and purpose ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Mr. Akufo-Addo made the call in his brief remarks at the NPP party office following the announcement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the presidential candidate of the NPP by EC officials.
“I know his mind, and I know his character. He is loyal to party principles,” Akufo-Addo said, urging the former Vice President to offer focused leadership in the period ahead.
Minority Caucus
In a related development, the Minority Caucus in Parliament has congratulated Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on his election as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, pledging its full support as the party prepares for the 2028 general elections.
In a congratulatory message to Dr. Bawumia, shared on January 31, 2026, the caucus praised the role of the party’s grassroots and urged members to rally behind the flagbearer while intensifying scrutiny of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“To our party’s grassroots structures – constituency executives, polling station organisers, and dedicated volunteers from Tamale to Takoradi, from Aflao to Axim, your tireless efforts form the backbone of our political enterprise,” the Minority said.
“We urge you to channel your considerable energies towards supporting Dr. Bawumia’s leadership whilst holding the governing National Democratic Congress accountable for their stewardship of the nation.”
The caucus said its members, together with former NPP Members of Parliament, were ready to provide strategic support to the party’s flagbearer, drawing on their parliamentary experience and government records.
“The Minority Caucus, together with former NPP Members of Parliament who have served with distinction in Ghana’s democratic institutions, pledges its full support to Dr. Bawumia,” the statement said.
“Our collective experience — having secured 169 seats in 2016 and 137 in 2020 and having delivered transformative policies including the Free Senior High School programme, significant infrastructure development, and digital economy initiatives — positions us to provide crucial strategic guidance as we prepare for 2028.”
Turning attention to the current administration, the Minority said its immediate focus would be to hold the NDC government accountable on issues affecting ordinary Ghanaians.
“Our immediate task is clear: we must turn our attention outward to scrutinise the current NDC administration’s performance,” the caucus stated.
“Through our parliamentary work and public engagement, we shall hold the government accountable on critical matters affecting ordinary Ghanaians.”
The Minority listed concerns, including what it described as the “alarming depletion of Ghana’s gold reserves through questionable transactions,” financial losses from “bogus gold trading schemes involving state institutions such as the Minerals Commission and the Bank of Ghana,” and failures in public transportation management.
It also criticised what it called the government’s ineffective response to illegal mining, noting that galamsey continues to destroy water bodies and farmlands, as well as the “inability to create meaningful employment opportunities for Ghana’s youth,” which it said had contributed to tragic incidents at military recruitment centres.
Reaffirming the party’s readiness for the future, the caucus said the NPP remained united and focused on offering an alternative vision for the country.
“To the people of Ghana, we declare that the NPP stands united, renewed, and prepared to offer the accountable governance, economic revival, and inclusive prosperity that our nation deserves,” the statement said. “Under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, informed by the lessons of 2024, we are better positioned to serve Ghana’s interests and restore hope to all citizens.”
The Minority added that it envisions a post-2028 Ghana where the Free SHS programme operates efficiently, the economy delivers broad-based prosperity, and the country stands as “a beacon of democratic governance and economic innovation across Africa.”
