In every political environment, comparisons between leading figures are inevitable, especially during internal contests or in the run-up to national elections. Within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), recent polls consistently place Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia far ahead of Kennedy Agyapong in both voter and delegate preference.
But the contrast between the two men goes well beyond numbers. It reflects a deeper divide in leadership style, policy vision, and public perception. Dr. Bawumia embodies stability, discipline, and policy-driven leadership. Kennedy Agyapong, by contrast, is more often associated with confrontation, controversy, and populist rhetoric. For many in the NPP, the choice is not merely about popularity but about credibility, competence, and the party’s future image.
Recent polling underscores this reality: 57% of Ghanaian voters prefer Dr. Bawumia to lead the NPP into the next election, compared with 29% for Kennedy Agyapong. Among delegates: who hold decisive influence, Bawumia commands 47% support, against Agyapong’s 17%, with 27% still undecided. In a direct contest, projections suggest Bawumia would extend his lead to 62% versus Agyapong’s 38%, highlighting the uphill battle Agyapong faces.
Dr. Bawumia’s campaign is anchored in economic stewardship and digital transformation. As chair of the Economic Management Team, he has championed initiatives such as the Mobile Money Interoperability system and the Ghana Card—projects that have reshaped Ghana’s financial and identification landscape.
Kennedy Agyapong, meanwhile, leans heavily on his reputation as a businessman. Yet his campaign has often been overshadowed by controversy, including accusations of ‘religious’ and ‘identity based campaigning’ tactics that critics warned could fracture party unity and undermine national cohesion. Also, his combative style has also led to several legal battles, most notably defamation suits lost to journalists like Kweku Baako, Kevin Taylor, and Anas Aremeyaw Anas. These setbacks have only reinforced his public image as divisive rather than unifying.
The contrast in character and perception is just as sharp. Bawumia is widely regarded as disciplined, unblemished, God-fearing, emotionally intelligent, and family-oriented. Agyapong is often seen as a “loose cannon,” prone to inflammatory speech, and criticized for building influence through government contracts and polarizing rhetoric.
Ultimately, the choice before the NPP is clear: one candidate offers a path of constructive leadership and policy-driven governance; the other, a gamble on confrontation and controversy.
Osɔfo Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey-NppUSA
