The NPP will soon have to assert itself as the alternative to the NDC government as the curtain draws on honeymoon period for the NDC government.

One of the critical requirements will be who is best placed to lead the party as the arrow head in galvanizing the rank and file of the party to analysze the NDC performance and offer critical assessment.

After eight years in power and with the abysmal performance in the 2024 elections, there are obviously difficult hurdles to overcome, and picking the pieces and providing a formidable challenge to the NDC can be a daunting task.

We review the likely contenders for the NPP flagbearer position drawing out their strengths and weaknesses, and how well positioned they are to lead the party to electoral victory in 2028.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

The former Vice President and Flagbearer of the Party will be relishing another go at the presidency. This is a man who rose from obscurity to become the Vice President and has learnt the political game pretty well.

Strengths

The key strength of Dr. Bawumia is the experience he has garnered over eight years as Vice President. Eight years gives him some familiarity with the complexities of leading a developing African country, with all the challenges it presents.

Another strength is his amiable personality and reconciliatory disposition. Many see him as a gentleman with a constant smile and one who radiates likeability in terms of his personality.

Another key strength is his untainted record in terms of corruption scandals. Largely, he has perhaps been out of sordid scadals that tend to affect the credibility and integrity of politicians.

Weaknesses

The major weakness of Dr. Bawumia are the challenges he faced as the Head of the Economic Management Team. Touted as an economic genius, he failed to shine as the Vice President in the management of the economy. His credentials as an economic genius has been seriously questioned judging by the challenges the country faced. It may be very difficult to convince non-fanatical supporters that he still holds the key to unlocking the country’s economic potential after failing to do so in eight years.

Many consider his recourse to digitization as a convenient ploy to mask his failings in the economy, therefore, the digitization agenda has not borne the right dividends in terms of enhancing his image.

Another challenge he faces are questions about his sense of judgement and strategy. Dr. Bawumia tried to distance himself from, or associated himself with, the Nana Addo government as and when it suited him and that sounded quite selfish and opportunistic. As Vice President and Head of Economic Management Team there was no way he could have been excused and that was a poor political strategy that portrayed him as one with credibility issues and a poor sense of judgement and political strategy.

That was also expressed in association with Christian leaders and Churches. It was obvious that he was over-indulging Christian leaders and Churches for political expediency and Ghanaian are discerning enough to have read through that. No wonder he also lost affection of many Muslims leading to the NPP’s abysmal performance even in the Zongo Communities.

His choice of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, perhaps sealed the view that he was not a good political strategist.

The (mis)conceptions about his traits and credibility may be difficult to erase.

Another major weakness some political analysts perceive is the that after John Mahama, Ghanaians may not immediately want a president from the Northern part of the country. Touting another Northern candidate for the presidency may definitely be a hard nut to crack.

Score: 5/10

Dr. Bryan Acheampong

The industrious businessman and politician, is noted for being resourceful and resilient. The former US Military man has been able to chart a path as a likeable politician who commands a lot of respect in the NPP.

Strengths

A major strength of Dr. Acheampong is his perceived resourcefulness and business acumen. He operates many successful businesses and has succeeded is creating jobs for many.

Another strength is his political tact. He appears to be a political strategist who knows when and how to call his shots. His ability to get his peers to rally behind him as evident in his masterly leadership of the Ken Must Go campaign positions him as someone who can drive the necessary influence if need be.

Bryan also demonstrates a high level of versatility, with a diverse background that gives him unique experiences and has enriched his pedigree.

Weaknesses

Many consider him a fine person yet, with many issues to sort out. The Labadi Beach Hotel saga threw him in an unfavourable light considering the context within which the issue was placed. He was characterized as someone who was trying to shortchange the State and he failed to deal effectively with that characterization. It is something that is obviously etched in the minds of many people and may put off a lot of floating voters or moderates in the NPP.

He is also considered a bit rough, something many Ghanaians may not be comfortable with, particularly, within the context of the Ayawaso West Wuogon By Election violence. Many also believe that his people skills need significant improvement if he is to make any significant impact.

Also, although the regional factor as in Bawumia’s case should ideally not matter, it could be decisive as some political analysts believe another Eastern candidate after Nana Addo may be difficult to market.

Score: 6/10

Ing. Francis Addai Nimoh

The ‘gentle giant’ has already made two attempts at getting the flagbearer position and has surprisingly performed well against all odds. The former MP for Mampong may also relish another opportunity to lead the party in the 2028 presidential election, although he is yet to make a strong statement in that regard.

Strengths

Ing Francis Addai-Nimoh has the record of having no association with the NPP government that has been heavily criticized for inflicting Ghanaians with harsh economic times. He is seen as a clean candidate who has his integrity and credibility intact and is not embroiled in any scandal.

He is also seen as a very good political strategist who has managed to rumble with the biggest names in the party despite his very limited financial resources. He is liked by many Party faithful, who see him as representing a new breed of politicians, who demonstrate exemplary intelligence and resilience.

He also seen as a loyal party person who after being ignored by President Nana Addo despite campaigning for him in the 2016 elections, remained supportive and never threw tantrums; very much unlike others who benefitted from the party under Nana Addo yet threw bitter tantrums at the party.

With both parents from the Ashanti Region, he has managed to establish deep roots in the party’s strong hold and is also admired by many floating voters.

Weaknesses

The major weakness people cite is his limited financial resources which is partly because for eight years he was not offered a single appointment to help him build the right connections for financing.

Some also believe that he has failed to market himself well enough to enhance his visibility and appeal in order to attract the needed attention.

Score: 7/10

Ken Agyapong

The fire brand politician is admired by many party loyalists, and has been touted by his supporters as the next to lead. A quite vociferous party person and successful businessman, he is considered a non-conformist, who can defy established conventions and speak his mind with ease.

Strengths

He is considered as someone who can rouse the youth into action. A man of action, Ken Agyapong is a very vibrant politician who is not scared of making mistakes.

He is considered to be generous and has supported the party with critical funding in difficult times, although some say he also benefitted financially as a businessman when the party was in power.

Some also consider him a realist who will defy political considerations or belonging to address issues in an open and straight manner.

Weaknesses

The biggest weakness, perhaps, is his temper which many say does not resonate well with the moderates in the party and floating voters.

His inclination to speak his mind, sometimes without due regard for diplomacy, has been a source of concern in some cases.

Score: 7/10

Kwabena Agyapong

Sources say, Kwabena Agyapong still relishes the prospects of leading the party as the flagbearer. The former General Secretary of the party has demonstrated resilience by emerging from suspension and proving to be a noticeable personality.

Strengths

Kwabena is a political strategist who is also praised for his organizational skills and principled attitude. He is seen as a resilient politician who can turn the tide in difficult circumstances.

Weaknesses

Kwabena Agyapong’s major weakness is the perception that he is arrogant. While this has always been a perception, some party members seem uncomfortable with his sometimes, confrontational style of speaking.

Some also believe that he lacks a strong connection with the grassroot of the party and that may not bode well for his candidature.

There is also the belief that he has not been able to carve a real identity as a presidential candidate as he has lacked consistency, and faces serious limitations in terms of financial resources.

Score: 5/10

By Mark Abbiw