Former Member of Parliament and one-time New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, has cautioned the party against repeating past mistakes by offering second chances to underperforming presidential candidates.
Speaking at Mampong in the Ashanti Region during a gathering to mourn the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Agyapong addressed party faithful with a message that was both reflective and firm. The meeting brought together several grassroots members, offering Agyapong a platform to share his thoughts on the party’s current trajectory.
According to the outspoken politician, the NPP’s identity has always been rooted in performance and accountability, not emotional loyalty. “The NPP doesn’t give second chances to candidates who fail to deliver,” he declared. “We didn’t do it for Adu Boahen, and we shouldn’t start now. Even Kufuor had to prove himself in 1996 before getting another shot in 2000.”
Agyapong’s comments come on the back of the 2024 election results, in which the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, suffered a significant defeat. According to official Electoral Commission figures, John Mahama of the NDC secured 56.42% of the vote (6,591,790 votes), while Bawumia trailed with 41.75% (4,877,611 votes).
He highlighted that while some former leaders, such as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President Kufuor, received second chances, these were based on solid performances and strong electoral showings, rather thansentimental reasons.
“Kufuor didn’t win in 1996, but he put up a strong fight with just a few months to campaign. That’s the difference,” Agyapong explained. “Bawumia’s result was a clear rejection. We must not ignore that reality.”
Having contested Bawumia in the party’s presidential primaries, Kennedy Agyapong stressed the need for honest introspection and renewed commitment to NPP values. “Performance is non-negotiable,” he reiterated. “We are not a party of excuses. If you fail, you make way for others. We cannot pretend 2024 didn’t happen.”
Agyapong’s comments are likely to stir renewed debate within the party as it considers how to rebuild ahead of the 2028 elections. His message was clear: the future of the NPP must be built on merit, not mediocrity.
