By Isaac Arkoh, GNA
Cape Coast, Jan. 26, GNA – Some delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Cape Coast have called on the party to elect a loyal and charismatic figure with a firm grip on the Central Region as its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.
In separate interviews with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the delegates stressed the need for a candidate who embodies unwavering loyalty to the party’s founding principles and possesses the charisma to rally voters nationwide.
“The 2024 elections showed us the importance of regional dominance and personal appeal. We need a figure who commands grassroots support in the Central Region, speaks the people’s language, and inspires unbreakable unity within our ranks. Let us pick a winner who grips the region and charms the nation for total victory in 2028,” they said.
The delegates, who pleaded anonymity, indicated that their call reflects broader sentiments among grassroots members eager to build on the NPP’s organisational strengths while addressing past electoral setbacks.
A total of 214,812 delegates are expected to vote in 277 voting centres across the country, covering all 276 constituencies and the party’s national headquarters.
The aspirants include:
Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Dr Bryan Acheampong, former Minister of Food and Agriculture and former MP for Abetifi, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President and the party’s 2024 Presidential Candidate, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister of Education and MP for Bosomtwe and Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, former General Secretary of the party.
A delegate at Adisadel expressed shock at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) sweeping 18 of the 23 parliamentary seats in the region during the 2024 elections—a sharp reversal from the NPP’s 19 seats in 2016 and 10 in 2020—and called for a new approach to regain ground.
Another delegate at Ayikooayikoo advocated for a grassroots-oriented leader focused on fixing roads, building schools and hospitals, and creating jobs.
“I’m hopeful that only a bold, solution-driven unifier can rally voters disillusioned by our 2024 landslide loss, restore party hope, and turn the tide,” he said
At Nkanfoa, a polling station executive highlighted Mr Agyapong’s likeability as a native son of the Central region, positioning him to energise the party’s base.
He believed Mr Agyapong’s raw charisma could deliver strong results for a 2028 breakthrough.
Another polling station executive at Cape Coast Castle described Mr Agyapong as the prime choice for flagbearer and parliamentary influence, praising his passion, dedication, and vision to wrest power from the NDC.
Conversely, a long-serving delegate at Bakaano declared his intention to vote for Dr Bawumia, citing his frontrunner status in delegate polls and prior vice-presidential experience.
He said campaign hashtags like #WinWithBawumia underscored his role in party projects, countering narratives blaming him for the 2024 losses.
Meanwhile, some influential party figures tipped Dr Acheampong as highly favoured over Mr Kwabena Agyepong and others.
They also urged delegates to vote based on personal conscience rather than succumbing to material temptations such as money or gifts.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Lydia Kukua Asamoah