Former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, leads the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer race, according to the latest survey by governance think tank, Sanity Africa, beating the 2024 presidential candidate of the party with 51%.
The survey, which was conducted between April and June 2025, shows Ken Agyapong commanding huge support among NPP delegates over his closest rival, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who polled 42.2%.
Former Agriculture Minister Dr. Bryan Acheampong and former Education Minister Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum trail with 3.1% and 3.0%, respectively.
Sanity Africa, which is carrying out the research in three phases, describes the results as a snapshot of early delegate sentiments. The next phases are scheduled for October 2025 and January 2026, ahead of the party’s presidential primaries.
Ken Agyapong’s Broad Support Base
The survey highlights Ken Agyapong’s strong appeal across key demographics within the party. He has overwhelming support among women (57.8%), delegates under the age of 40 (63%), students (58.9%), the unemployed (52.8%), and self-employed groups, including traders, artisans, farmers, and market women (55.5%).
Regionally, Agyapong commands in 10 out of the 16 regions, including commanding performances in the Central Region (68.1%), Western Region (59.5%), and Eastern Region (60.8%).
His dominance, according to Sanity Africa survey, underscores his grassroots popularity and appeal to younger, economically aspirational sections of the party.
Bawumia’s Support Base
Dr. Bawumia, on the other hand, holds a slight edge among male delegates (48.9%) and is the preferred choice among older party members, particularly those aged 40 and above.
He also has majority support among full-time employed delegates (53.8%) and remains the favourite among Muslim delegates, securing 52.8% of their support.
The former flagbearer leads in six regions, including Upper West (61.5%), Northern (50.8%), and North East (51.6%).
Religion, Age and Employment Status Shaping Preferences
The survey reflects the high influence of religion, age, and employment status on delegate preferences.
Among Christian delegates, who form a majority in the party, 61.6% support Ken Agyapong, compared to Bawumia’s 31.3%.
Agyapong also commands majority huge support among non-religious or traditionalist delegates, with 55.1% backing.
Age-wise, the race reveals a generational divide. While Bawumia dominates among delegates aged 40 to 55 (49.7%) and those aged 55 and above (47.8%), Ken Agyapong is the clear favourite among delegates under 40.
Employment status also plays a key role. While Bawumia holds the advantage among delegates in full-time jobs, Agyapong leads among the self-employed, unemployed, and students.
Regional Breakdown
The survey shows a tight race in swing regions such as Savannah and Upper East, with both leading contenders neck-and-neck.
Former Education Minister, Dr. Adutwum performed relatively well in his home region, Ashanti, polling 9.5%, while Bryan Acheampong’s best showing came from the Eastern Region, where he secured 13.7%.
Sanity Africa’s Caution
Sanity Africa has warned that the findings, while significant, reflect early delegate sentiments and are likely to evolve as the primaries draw closer.
The think tank noted that future phases of the survey will incorporate additional voter segments, including former government appointees and past party executives, who are expected to be included in the party’s expanded voter album.
The outcome of the NPP presidential primaries will be critical in determining the party’s leadership ahead of the 2028 general elections.
