Former Minister for Food and Agriculture and 2026 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has called for unity within the party, urging supporters of all former contenders to rally behind Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the party begins preparations for the 2028 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement titled “A Call to Unite Behind Our Party and Our Flagbearer,” Dr. Acheampong appealed to party members to put aside personal grievances and focus on rebuilding the NPP following its defeat in the 2024 elections.
Speaking as a former contestant in the party’s presidential primary, Acheampong said he understood the disappointment that comes with losing a fiercely contested race and acknowledged the emotions still lingering among supporters of unsuccessful candidates.
“Our party suffered a painful defeat in 2024. The single most important task before us between now and 2028 is to rebuild, to reunite, and to return to power.
“Nothing, no grievance, no provocation, no personal quarrel, can be allowed to stand above that mission.” - Dr. Bryan Acheampong
Appeal to Kennedy Agyapong
The Abetifi MP expressed concern over recent remarks by former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong and reports of possible action against the party and some of its members.
Describing Agyapong as a loyal and influential figure within the NPP, Acheampong urged him to channel his influence toward reconciliation rather than deepening divisions.
“Ken is a son of this party. A man whose energy, resources and loyalty over decades cannot be questioned.
“It is for that very reason that I urge him, respectfully but firmly, to lower the temperature and to lend his considerable influence to the work of healing rather than division.” - Dr. Bryan Acheampong
Dr. Acheampong admitted that some supporters linked to both the Bawumia and his own campaign had directed insults and disrespectful remarks at Agyapong during and after the contest.
He described such conduct as inconsistent with the party’s traditions but stressed that there was no evidence that Dr. Bawumia had authorised or encouraged those attacks.
“It would be a grave error to allow the misconduct of a few to be charged to the account of our flagbearer, or worse, to our entire party,” he noted.
Acheampong further acknowledged that heated exchanges occurred on multiple sides during the campaign and called for mutual forgiveness rather than blame.
Focus on 2028
The former minister argued that Dr. Bawumia now carries the mandate of the entire party and should be supported by all factions regardless of their preferred candidate during the primary.
“Dr. Bawumia is now the candidate of all of us. He carries the mandate not only of those who voted for him, but of every member who voted for Ken, for me, and for the others who contested.” - Dr. Bryan Acheampong
Ending his appeal, Acheampong urged party members to embrace unity as the foundation for electoral success.
“Unity is not weakness. Unity is how we win,” he declared, calling on supporters to “close ranks behind our flagbearer” and work towards returning the NPP to power in 2028.
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