The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all its presidential hopeful to hold off on launching nationwide campaign tours until after the upcoming Ak
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all its presidential hopeful to hold off on launching nationwide campaign tours until after the upcoming Akwatia by-election, which is slated for Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
At a press briefing in Accra, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong revealed that the decision was taken by the party’s leadership to ensure a focused and unified effort to retain the Akwatia parliamentary seat, which became vacant following the death of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the NPP Member of Parliament for the area.
“The party has agreed that all campaign activities for the presidential race should begin only after the Akwatia by-election. We want to channel all our resources and energy toward retaining this important seat,” Kodua announced.
While the party did not issue any sanctions for early campaigners, Kodua made it clear that adherence to this directive would reflect discipline and party loyalty.
He emphasized that it was not a threat, but a strategic move taken in the interest of party unity and victory.
Akwatia: A Key Seat for the NPP
The NPP considers Akwatia a critical seat, having previously held it before losing it narrowly to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2020.
However, with the unexpected death of Ernest Kumi in July 2025, the party sees an opportunity to reclaim the constituency in the upcoming by-election.
Rather than conduct a primary to choose a new parliamentary candidate, the NPP opted for a consensus approach.
After extensive consultations and internal polling, Solomon Kwame Asumadu, a mining entrepreneur and CEO of Owuo Mining Company, was selected to lead the party’s charge in the by-election.
Justin Kodua reiterated that all party structures, from polling station executives to national leadership, must rally behind the Akwatia campaign until the by-election concludes.
“This is a seat we can and must win back. All campaign energy must go to Akwatia. Once that is done, then we turn to the presidential primaries,” he said.
Presidential Nomination Process Underway
Even as campaign activities are temporarily suspended, the NPP has officially opened nominations for presidential aspirants ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Interested candidates can pick up forms between July 29 and August 28, 2025, at the party’s national headquarters in Accra.
The cost of nomination and filing stands at GH¢100,000 and GH¢500,000 respectively, with an additional development fee to be determined by the National Council. Payment is to be made via banker’s draft.
The presidential primary is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Presidential Contenders Lining Up
Despite the delayed start of campaigning, the race for the party’s flagbearer is already generating significant buzz.
Seven prominent figures are reported to be preparing to contest:
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong
Agric Minister, Dr Bryan Acheampong
Former Railways Minister Joe Ghartey
Former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong
Former MP Francis Addai-Nimoh
Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum
These aspirants are expected to officially begin their national campaign tours only after the Akwatia by-election is over.
Electoral College and Committees in Place
Justin Kodua also unveiled the composition of the Electoral College that will select the 2028 flagbearer, in accordance with Article 13(11) of the NPP Constitution.
It includes:
National and Regional Executives
Electoral Area Coordinators
Polling Station Executives (to be expanded from 5 to 7 per station after February 2026)
MPs, former MPs, and former parliamentary candidates
National Council members, Elders, and Patrons
External branches and founding members
To ensure a smooth electoral process, two key committees have been established:
Presidential Elections Committee (chaired by Hon. Joe Osei Owusu):
Includes Kwabena Abankwa Yeboah, William Yamoah (Secretary), Barbara Benisa, Hon. Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, and Evans Nimako.
Presidential Vetting Committee (chaired by Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor):
Includes Stephen Ntim, Fred Oware, Lord Commey, Elizabeth Ohene, and Evans Nimako (Secretary).
Looking Ahead
With the NPP marking 33 years of existence this month, the party’s dual focus on regaining the Akwatia seat and organizing a competitive but orderly presidential primary reflects its broader strategy to maintain internal cohesion and national relevance.
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