Kwabena Agyapong Challenges NPP Flagbearer Aspirants to a National Debate

Former Press Secretary to President John Agyekum Kufuor, Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, has called for a national debate among New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirants ahead of the primary in January next year, insisting that Ghanaians deserve to hear clear, competing visions for the country’s future.

Speaking on Wontumi Radio, the NPP stalwart—who is contesting to lead the party—said the time has come for internal party contests to go beyond slogans and personality-driven campaigns.

“Ghanaians deserve to know our different policy positions and where our priorities lie,” Agyapong said. “There are only four of us contesting, so I believe we can engage in a solid debate over issues for the national audience. Leadership must be about ideas and service, not entitlement.”

He emphasized that those seeking to lead the NPP are also seeking to lead Ghana, and therefore must show that they understand the country’s problems and can offer practical solutions.

“We do not intend to lead only the party but the nation at large,” he added. “It is time for a recalibration of our thinking as Ghanaians. Political leaders must demonstrate that politics is not about enjoyment or the saying ‘no contribution, no chop,’ but about service to the people.”

Agyapong said the foundation of good leadership rests on three doctrines—service, sacrifice, and selflessness—which, according to him, have been lost in the country’s current political culture.

He also urged NPP members to place loyalty to the party’s core values and symbol—the elephant—above personal allegiances. Citing his early involvement in the NPP, he recalled his sacrifices during the 1992 elections and his long years of service to the party.

“The elephant is what we have all followed till date. Prof. Adu Boahen, President Kufuor, and President Nana Addo have all served, but the party remains. Our loyalty must be to the NPP, not individuals,” he said.

Agyapong shared how former President Kufuor’s decision to appoint him as Press Secretary despite being on the opposing side during the internal primaries deeply shaped his view of unity and leadership.

“President Kufuor could have said I did not support him, and therefore he would not work with me—but he offered me the role. I worked with him and traveled with him to Buckingham Palace, the White House, the United Nations, and other parts of the world. That experience taught me the importance of unity and magnanimity in leadership.”

Addressing speculations about a possible running mate role under Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Agyapong said he would be willing to serve the NPP in any capacity but remains focused on winning the flagbearership race.

“Being a running mate is an honour, but I am praying to God to win the primaries. If I don’t, it will not be a problem because elections come with wins and losses. What matters is service to the party,” he said.

He revealed that even during his suspension from the party, he continued to financially support NPP campaign activities, demonstrating his unwavering commitment.

“Even when I was suspended, I made funds available for the party’s campaign,” he noted, recalling that the most painful political loss of his life was Prof. Adu Boahen’s defeat, which left him devastated for days.

Kwabena Agyapong concluded by urging his fellow aspirants and party supporters to foster unity, discipline, and principle-based leadership, saying the NPP must return to its founding virtues of brotherliness, respect, and humility if it hopes to retain public trust ahead of the 2028 elections.

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