Five candidates for president will be elected by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) today, Saturday, August 26, 2023, to compete in the party’s primary in November of this year.
The 10 aspirants are:
Alan Kyerematen, former Trade Minister
Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Former Agriculture Minister
Kennedy Agyapong, MP for Assin Central
Joe Ghartey, former Railways Minister
Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, former party General Secretary
Kwadwo Poku, an energy expert
Boakye Agyarko, former Energy Minister
Kofi Konadu Apraku, former Trade Minister
Francis Addai Nimoh, former Member of Parliament for Mampong.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President
The election will be held nationwide with some 900 delegates taking part.
The top five candidates who receive the most votes will participate in the NPP’s primary in November for the position of party flagbearer for the general election in 2024.
The victor of the primaries would be the front-runner to succeed President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is ineligible to serve a third term under Ghanaian law and is presently in power with the NPP.
The contest is anticipated to be keenly contested, with Alan Kyerematen and Dr. Bawumia considered the leading contenders. Yet, it’s noteworthy that Kennedy Agyapong has garnered momentum in recent weeks, potentially emerging as a surprise candidate in the race.
The forthcoming election serves as a litmus test for the NPP, as the outcome will shape the party’s prospects in the 2024 general election.
The party will need to choose a candidate who can unite the party and appeal to a broad range of voters.
