Former Member of Parliament and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has stated that the NPP does not reward poor performance with repeat opportunities—particularly in the selection of its presidential candidates.
Addressing party faithful in Mampong during a visit to mourn the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Agyapong highlighted the NPP’s electoral tradition, insisting that strong performance, not sentiment or incumbency, is the basis for flagbearer endorsement.
He indirectly criticised the party’s 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, whose loss to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) remains a source of internal contention.
Agyapong argued that historical precedent within the party supports his position.
He cited the example of Prof. Albert Adu Boahen, the NPP’s 1992 flagbearer, who, despite his historic role in Ghana’s return to democracy, was not given a second chance after his defeat.
He contrasted this with former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, both of whom, according to Agyapong, earned their second chances through solid showings in prior elections.
“The NPP doesn’t give second chances to candidates who fail to deliver. We didn’t do it for Adu Boahen, and we shouldn’t do it now,”
“Even President Kufuor had to impress in 1996 before being given another shot in 2000. Nana Addo also proved himself before his eventual win,” he said.
“That tells you the NPP rewards performance, not sympathy,” he said
“Prof. Adu Boahen was a pioneer in resisting military dictatorship and played a significant role in the re-emergence of multiparty democracy. Yet, after his defeat in 1992, he was replaced. That tells you that our party is serious about performance,” Agyapong explained.
