In preparation for the highly anticipated national delegates conference on November 4, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held a crucial balloting event in Accra, where flagbearer hopefuls selected their slots for the upcoming race.
Kennedy Agyapong, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, seized the opportunity to secure the first slot during the balloting process. A move positions him at the forefront of the race for the party’s flagbearer.
Following closely, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the current Vice President of Ghana and a leading contender, picked the second slot. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, a former Minister for Agriculture renowned for his technocratic expertise, opted for the third slot, while Francis Addai Nimo, a former Member of Parliament for Mampong, secured the fourth slot.
The balloting process, overseen by the NPP’s national election committee, marks a crucial milestone as the party approaches the 2024 general elections. The NPP’s flagbearer will be determined during the national delegates conference, a pivotal event in the party’s leadership selection.
The NPP is currently engaged in a competitive four-horse race, with Ken Agyapong, Dr. Bawumia, and Dr. Akoto emerging as the primary contenders.
Notably, Alan Kyeremateng, a prominent figure in the party, withdrew from the race following the Special Delegates Conference.
Kennedy Agyapong, known for his outspoken criticism of the government, has pledged to usher in transformative change if elected as the party’s flagbearer. Meanwhile, Dr. Bawumia is widely regarded as a safe and capable leader, enjoying popularity among the party’s intellectual circles. Dr. Akoto’s background as a former Minister of Agriculture brings a valuable technocratic perspective to the race.
As the ruling party since 2017, the NPP aims to secure a third consecutive term in the 2024 general elections. The party faces a formidable challenge from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former President John Mahama, who seeks to reclaim power in 2024. With these two major contenders, the 2024 general elections promise to be a closely contested race.
