Kennedy Agyapong, a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, has emphasized that the party’s electoral history demonstrates that performance is a crucial factor in determining its candidates’ fate.
Speaking at a gathering in Mampong, Ashanti Region, during a visit to mourn the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Agyapong stated that the NPP does not reward poor performance with second chances.
“The NPP doesn’t give second chances to candidates who fail to deliver. We didn’t do it for Adu Boahen, and we shouldn’t do it now,” Agyapong declared, his comments seen as an indirect reference to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who led the party in the 2024 general elections but lost to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Agyapong cited examples of past NPP leaders, including President Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who had to prove themselves before being given another shot at leadership positions.
“Even President Kufuor had to impress in 1996 before being given another shot in 2000. Nana Addo also proved himself before his eventual win,” he noted.
The former Assin Central MP also referenced the late Prof. Adu Boahen, the NPP’s 1992 flagbearer, who despite his significant contributions to Ghana’s democratic revival, was not given a second chance after his defeat.
“That tells you the NPP rewards performance, not sympathy,” Agyapong emphasized.
Agyapong’s comments have sparked debate within the NPP, with his remarks expected to reignite discussions on the party’s direction and leadership performance.
As a realist and reform advocate, Agyapong stressed that loyalty to the NPP must be measured by results and accountability, rather than blind support. “Loyalty to the NPP must be measured by results and accountability—not blind support,” he maintained.