Member of Parliament for Abetifi and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has formally declared his intention to contest for the flagbearer position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). His announcement came after a meeting with the leadership of the Presbyterian Church, where he sought their blessings before making a public declaration.
Speaking during the interaction, Dr. Acheampong emphasized his deep connection to the church and his desire to begin this political journey on a spiritual foundation. “Thank you very much. I am a product of the church,” he said, adding, “I want to start with God and then finish with God; we all know how treacherous the political journey can be.”
According to Dr. Acheampong, a month ago, he set up an exploratory committee to assess his chances and the needs of the party. “A week ago, we got together and reviewed the report. It largely aligned with what I set out to do,” he noted, although he admitted there were some adjustments needed to meet the broader aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
The report from the exploratory committee, he explained, pointed to the need for a new kind of candidate, one who could unite the party, create jobs, ensure security, and develop the country’s infrastructure. “The conclusion of the report suggested that there was a need to have a different candidate who can galvanize the party and unite the party,” he said.
When asked if the exploratory committee had officially endorsed his bid, Dr. Acheampong clarified that no explicit green light was given. “They did not give me the green light to contest. What they did was make suggestions of what the party was looking for and what Ghanaians are aspiring to,” he explained. “I think I fit the bill.”
Dr. Acheampong also made it a point to first inform the General Council and Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of his decision before going public. “Before a formal announcement is made, I thought it wise to come and inform the General Council and the Moderator that this is what I have set out to do,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Acheampong stressed the importance of divine guidance throughout this journey. “God is a requirement for a journey like this,” he remarked. “I am in continuous prayer while I start and embark on this journey.”
Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s decision signals a significant step as the NPP prepares for the next phase of leadership ahead of the 2028 general elections.
