Political analysts have predicted that the race for the next flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) is between the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, but a former flagbearer aspirant, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, says he’s lacing his boots.
The former General-Secretary of the NPP insists that several others have a keen interest in the flagbearership race; therefore, it will be erroneous for anyone to think that it will be between the vice president and the trade minister.
“The ground has not been opened yet; just wait for nominations to open. In 2007, I was the youngest of the 17 presidential aspirants. I haven’t ruled myself out at all for this battle,” he revealed
Sharing his view on those advocating and endorsing one candidate over the other, Mr. Agyepong said, nobody can win elections based on coercion and endorsements
“I think it is very important that we let the Ghanaians know that our party has a time-honoured tradition. That decision cannot be earned through coercion, endorsements, or force. It has to be earned by people, showing respect, and going to various places,” he stressed.
According to the civil engineer cum politician, anyone who wants to hold any position in the party must promulgate his ideas and vision to members and not sabotage others.
“If you want to win, move around the country and sell your message. You have to earn it,” he pointed out in an interview on TV3.
The NPP is currently organising new leaders for the next term.
The entry of Mr. Agyepong into the flagbearership race is not surprising as he was one of the 17 aspirants who contested for the flagbearership of the NPP in 2007 for the 2008 presidential elections.
In 2015, Mr. Agyepong, together with the then National Chairman, Paul Awentami Afoko, and First Vice Chairman Sammy Crabbe, were suspended for allegedly working against the then flagbearer of the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo.
Without a substantive General Secretary and National Chairman, the NPP won the polls in 2016.
In 2021, an Osafo Maafo-led committee lifted the ban on Mr. Agyepong.