In Accra, Mr. Kennedy Agyapong, a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and runner-up in the party’s recent presidential primary, has called on the members of his party to unite and strongly challenge the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ghana’s 2024 General Election. Agyapong’s appeal comes in the aftermath of the NPP’s presidential primary, where he was a losing aspirant.
According to Ghana News Agency, the NPP’s goal of ‘breaking the eight’, a mantra signifying the party’s intent to extend its governance beyond the typical eight-year cycle that has characterized Ghana’s major political parties, is achievable with concerted efforts. During his address at a handing-over ceremony in Accra, he stressed the importance of the transparency and fairness witnessed in the primary, expressing confidence that these values would lead to victory in 2024. The ceremony was significant as it marked the transition of leadership to the Vice-President and presidential candidate-elect for the upcoming election.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, following the NPP’s tradition, officially handed over the mantle of leadership to the flagbearer-elect. Agyapong emphasized the need for unity within the NPP, calling for the party faithful and losing aspirants to set aside their differences and rally behind the newly elected flagbearer.
Vice-President Alhaji Dr. Bawumia, who was favored to win, secured 61.43 percent of the total valid votes, emerging as the victor in the presidential primary. Agyapong, representing Assin Central as a Member of Parliament and a noted business tycoon, followed with 37.41 percent of the vote. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, a former MP for Kwadaso and Minister of Food and Agriculture, and Mr. Francis Addai-Nimoh trailed behind in the primary.
The presidential primary, which saw the participation of over 200,000 delegates, was conducted under the supervision of the Electoral Commission, marking a significant event in the NPP’s preparation for the 2024 General Election and its strategy to counter the NDC.