Kennedy Agyapong, a key NPP flagbearer hopeful, has once again adopted a confrontational stance, alleging favoritism, election rigging, and actions he claims undermine fairness within the party. He insists that both he and his supporters are facing intimidation—even from party members abroad, particularly in the USA—and has vowed not to be forced out of the race. At the center of his grievances is the belief that party leadership is manipulating the primary process in favor of another candidate. He has gone as far as accusing the party’s leadership of bias, pointing to the alleged use of official NPP social media platforms to promote Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s candidacy during the nomination process. Left unchecked, such allegations risk deepening divisions and painting a troubling picture of disunity within the party.
In sharp contrast, Dr. Bawumia has consistently urged aspirants and their supporters to focus on ideas rather than insults. He warns that negative campaigning only divides the party and hands ammunition to its political opponents. His campaign is anchored on unity and grassroots welfare, with promises to address the long-standing grievances of NPP members who feel abandoned after election victories. Using phrases such as “no more adidigya or menyaa hwee”—local expressions meaning “I suffered” or “I got nothing”—Bawumia has pledged to end the cycle of neglect experienced by party foot soldiers.
Dr. Bawumia’s Welfare Blueprint
| Welfare Area | Key Proposal(s) | Target Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Security & Pensions | – Establishment of a Party Welfare Fund (50% of MPs’ & Ministers’ salaries). – Pension Scheme for grassroots appointees. | Constituency executives, polling station executives, electoral area coordinators. |
| Job Creation & Empowerment | – Dedicated access to government initiatives like YouStart. – Priority placement in public employment (e.g., NSRP, NABCO). | Unemployed party youth and members. |
| Healthcare Support | – NHIS premiums covered by the party. | Polling station executives. |
| Housing & Accommodation | – “Party Hostels” in major cities to provide affordable lodging. | Party members traveling to regional and national capitals. |
Worth Noting
- Ending “Adidigya” and “Menyaa Hwee” – Tackling grassroots frustrations by ensuring loyalty and sacrifice are tangibly rewarded.
- Rewarding Foot Soldiers – Providing social security for the polling station and constituency executives who drive the party’s victories.
- Building Unity – Strengthening collective purpose by ensuring no faithful member feels left behind.
In essence, while Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign thrives on confrontation and allegations, Dr. Bawumia’s is rooted in welfare, unity, and reform. If successfully implemented, his proposals could transform the relationship between the NPP leadership and its grassroots, reshaping the party’s internal dynamics and securing deep loyalty from its rank and file.
Osɔfo Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey
