As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) charts its path toward the 2028 general elections, internal conversations around leadership and electability are intensifying.

While the party boasts a slate of influential figures—including businessman and MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, and former Agriculture Minister Dr Bryan Acheampong—many political observers, strategists, and delegates argue that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President, remains the party’s most strategic option for victory.

This article examines the factors that position Dr Bawumia as the NPP’s strongest candidate in terms of experience, national appeal, economic vision, and internal party dynamics.

National recognition and executive experience

Dr Bawumia has served at the highest levels of government for nearly a decade. As Vice President from 2017 to 2025, he played a central role in shaping the administration’s economic and digital transformation agenda.

His visibility across Ghana’s political and media landscape provides him with a level of national recognition unmatched by his peers.

Unlike aspirants who are yet to be tested on a national platform, Bawumia enters the race with a proven track record and public familiarity—a significant advantage in a general election where name recognition often translates to voter confidence.

Regional balance and broader electorate reach

In Ghanaian politics, regional dynamics remain critical to electoral success. Dr Bawumia, a native of the Northern Region, offers the NPP a unique opportunity to consolidate support in an area traditionally favorable to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

His candidacy introduces ethnic and regional diversity to the NPP’s ticket and signals an inclusive posture to voters across the country. This could help the party expand beyond its strongholds in the Ashanti and Eastern regions, making it more competitive in the northern and middle belts.

Policy credentials and a digital vision

Dr Bawumia’s strength lies not only in his presence but in his ideas. As an economist and former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, he has led some of the most ambitious digital reforms in Ghana’s history.

Initiatives such as mobile money interoperability, the Ghana Card integration, e-pharmacy platforms, and the digital property address system have significantly modernised the country’s service delivery framework.

While his tenure has not been without economic challenges—particularly related to inflation and debt management—his forward-looking approach appeals to younger voters, the business community, and members of the diaspora.

His narrative of building a digital, inclusive, and formalised economy continues to resonate with segments of the electorate seeking long-term transformation.

Strong standing within the party

Dr Bawumia's internal support structure is another key factor. He maintains strong ties with regional party chairpersons, Members of Parliament, and national executives, many of whom publicly endorse his candidacy.

Party primaries and leadership races are as much about grassroots mobilisation as they are about elite backing. In this regard, Bawumia commands significant influence across multiple layers of the party, positioning him as the most organised and broadly accepted aspirant within the NPP.

Comparative advantage over other contenders

Kennedy Agyapong, despite his popularity among grassroots supporters and his reputation for boldness and honesty, faces questions about his temperament, divisive rhetoric, and lack of detailed policy proposals.

His appeal, though energetic, may not translate well to swing voters or international partners. Dr Bryan Acheampong brings policy competence and ministerial experience, but lacks national visibility and a clearly defined political brand.

He remains a respected figure, but not yet a household name capable of galvanizing broad public support on a national or international scale.

In contrast, Dr Bawumia offers a balanced combination of statesmanship, policy depth, and electability, which makes him more likely to unify the party and reach undecided voters beyond its base.

Conclusion

With Ghana’s political landscape evolving and voters demanding both competence and connection, the NPP’s choice of flagbearer in the lead-up to 2028 will be critical.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, with his blend of experience, national appeal, and visionary governance—emerges as the candidate best positioned to lead the party to electoral success.

He is not without criticism , but in the context of strategy, stability, substance and international appeal, he stands out as the NPP’s most credible and competitive option to retain power and lead Ghana into the next phase of development in 2028.