Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, shared a light-hearted exchange during the final funeral rites of the late Mamponghene and Krontihene of Asanteman, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II.
In a widely circulated clip on X from the event, Dr. Bawumia is heard jokingly remarking to Dr. Bryan Acheampong, “You want to worry me,” suggesting a potential intense internal competition for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer position.
Dr. Bawumia, who led the party into the 2024 presidential elections, is largely anticipated to pursue re-election as the NPP’s presidential candidate.
On the other hand, Bryan Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi, has also expressed interest in vying for the party’s flagbearership, heightening expectations of a competitive race within the NPP.
Additionally, other prominent individuals are rumored to be contemplating their candidacies. These include Kennedy Agyapong, former MP for Assin Central who contested against Bawumia in 2023, and Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, current Minister of Education and MP for Bosomtwe.
Furthermore, former Member of Parliament and past NPP presidential aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, asserts that the party has never established a practice of rewarding inadequate performance with a second opportunity—especially regarding the selection of its presidential candidate.
While speaking at Mampong in the Ashanti Region during a visit to pay respects to the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Ken Agyapong informed a gathering of party supporters that the NPP’s electoral history demonstrates that ‘performance is non-negotiable.’
“The NPP does not offer second chances to candidates who fail to deliver. We did not do it for Adu Boahen, and we should not do it now,” Ken Agyapong asserted, indirectly criticizing former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who led the party in the 2024 general elections but was defeated by the NDC.
