Former Assin Central MP and 2024 NPP presidential aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, has made a clarion call for deep introspection and historical reflection as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) charts its course toward the 2028 general elections.

He made this call while addressing some party faithful at Mampong in the Ashanti Region during his visit to the area to mourn the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu.

The gathering provided a platform for Agyapong to share his reflections on the party’s direction and its history with presidential candidates.

Agyapong appealed for fairness, strategic thinking, and realism in choosing the next NPP flagbearer.

He grounded his argument in the party’s historical leadership trajectory, citing the examples of Prof Albert Adu-Boahen, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as case studies of how the party has made tough but pragmatic decisions in the past.

Kennedy Agyapong recalled the pivotal role played by Prof Adu-Boahen during Ghana’s return to multiparty democracy and the strength and courage of the NPP.

“It was Prof Adu Boahen who had the courage to break the culture of silence during Rawlings’ era,” he said, hailing the academic and politician’s bravery in 1992.

However, he noted that Adu-Boahen only had one opportunity to lead the NPP as flagbearer.

“When he attempted the NPP flagbearership once and it didn’t go well, we didn’t go with him again. We honored his legacy, but we were also realistic about our electoral prospects.

"In the 1992 Ghanaian presidential election, Professor Albert Adu Boahen faced off against incumbent Jerry John Rawlings. Despite the NPP's allegations of electoral fraud, the Electoral Commission declared Rawlings the winner with 58.4% of the vote. The NPP responded by publishing ‘The Stolen Verdict,’ detailing alleged irregularities such as voter registry inaccuracies and ballot stuffing. This led to a boycott of the subsequent parliamentary elections by the NPP, resulting in a one-party parliament dominated by Rawlings' National Democratic Congress (NDC). The controversy sparked reforms in Ghana's electoral system, including the introduction of transparent ballot boxes and voter ID cards," he recalled.

According to him, the NPP's stance in 1992 highlighted the importance of electoral integrity in Ghana's democratic development.

Turning to former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Agyapong emphasised the logic behind giving him a second chance after an initial unsuccessful attempt at the presidency.

“Kufuor had only three to four months to campaign the first time, yet his performance was mind-boggling and encouraging. That’s why we gave him another shot.

“Kufuor’s second run paid off handsomely for the party when he won the 2000 elections, becoming Ghana’s second democratically elected president in the Fourth Republic," he added.

On President Akufo-Addo, Kennedy Agyapong acknowledged that he was allowed to lead the party three consecutive times due to consistently strong showings.

“In 2008, he got 49.3%, just short of the 50% needed for a win. In 2012, when he contested again, many believe he was cheated. Yet, he respected the court’s verdict, showing leadership and maturity. His performance across all 10 regions improved each time,” Ken indicated.

He stressed that Akufo-Addo’s repeated endorsements were based on electoral promise, not entitlement.

“We allowed Nana Addo to lead us three times because his numbers were encouraging, and he gave us hope in each election,” he stated.

Agyapong urged party members to reflect seriously on the implications of their choice for the 2028 Election.

“Can we risk the 2028 Election as a party? It’s time to be realistic and honest with ourselves. We can’t afford to gamble with our party’s future,” he added.

Calling out what he described as self-interest and pride clouding the judgment of some party stakeholders, the former MP said; “To those who are too proud to learn and only make submissions based on selfish interests, I ask: What’s more important — the party’s success or your personal ambitions?”

He further called for strategic, interest-based decision-making within the NPP.

He urged the party to return to its roots of collective reasoning and performance-based leadership selection.

“Our party’s success is paramount. We must prioritize the NPP’s future over individual ambition. Let’s put Ghana and the NPP first,” he added.