By Prince Ahenkorah
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is abuzz with speculation, and sources close to the party suggest a palpable sense of unease within the camp of former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The cause? The increasingly likely entry of former Minister for Food and Agriculture and current Abetifi MP, Bryan Acheampong, into the race for the next NPP flagbearer.
While Acheampong has yet to formally declare his ambitions, whispers in political corridors have grown into a roaring torrent.
The idea of his candidacy first gained significant traction when Andy Appiah-Kubi, a former MP for Asante Akyem North, publicly touted Acheampong as a formidable contender, sending ripples through the party faithful.
The brewing internal struggle was thrust into the spotlight during a seemingly innocuous moment at the final funeral rites of the late Mamponghene and Krontihene of Asanteman, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II.
What was intended as a solemn occasion unexpectedly transformed into a subtle, yet revealing, stage for the intensifying battle for the NPP’s top spot.
Social media was set alight with footage capturing a seemingly casual exchange between Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Bryan Acheampong. During their interaction at the Mamponghene funeral on Saturday, June 7, 2025, Bawumia was distinctly heard, albeit playfully, telling Acheampong, “You want to worry me.”
Political pundits were quick to dissect the seemingly lighthearted remark, interpreting it as a telling acknowledgment of the fierce competition anticipated in the party’s upcoming presidential primaries.
The race for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2028 flagbearer position is steadily gathering steam, despite being years away from an official contest.
The party’s recent defeat in the December 7, 2024, general elections has ignited a sense of urgency and introspection within the NPP. Currently undergoing a period of restructuring and renewal, the party has inadvertently opened the floodgates for discussions about its future leadership.
Already, several influential figures are positioning themselves as potential frontrunners to lead the NPP into the next election cycle. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who spearheaded the party’s 2024 campaign, is widely expected to make another bid for the flagbearer slot.
However, he is anticipated to face robust challenges from a growing list of contenders, including the outspoken businessman and politician Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the increasingly influential Bryan Acheampong, and Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, who has also been mentioned as a potential aspirant.
As the days unfold, more leading figures within the New Patriotic Party are expected to throw their hats into the ring, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and fiercely contested battle for the party’s leadership.