Kennedy Agyapong picks forms to contest NPP 2026 flagbearer race

Former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has officially picked up nomination forms to contest in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2026 presidential primaries.

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The announcement was made in a Facebook post on Tuesday, 5 August, by Kwasi Kwarteng, a spokesperson for his campaign team.
“Official Update: Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong has officially picked nomination forms to contest in the 2026 NPP flagbearership race,” the post read.

Mr Agyapong’s decision to enter the race reaffirms his long-standing interest in leading the governing party, having previously contested in the 2024 NPP presidential primaries. Although he placed third in that contest—behind Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and former Agriculture Minister Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto—his campaign gained significant grassroots support, especially for his strong messages on discipline, patriotism, and economic independence.

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Known for his outspoken personality and business background, Kennedy Agyapong has been a prominent figure within the NPP for over two decades. He represented the Assin Central Constituency in Parliament from 2001 to 2025, serving multiple terms and earning a reputation for speaking bluntly on national issues, often challenging both opposition and internal party decisions.

His 2024 campaign was marked by a strong call for national discipline, anti-corruption, youth employment, and a home-grown economic agenda. These themes are expected to dominate his 2026 message as well. He has frequently criticised what he describes as economic mismanagement and the culture of dependency on foreign aid, positioning himself as a candidate who can chart a bold new course for Ghana.

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With the 2026 elections on the horizon, his decision sets the stage for what could be another highly competitive flagbearership race within the NPP, as the party prepares to select a new leader to succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

More announcements from other potential aspirants are expected in the coming months.