Intense Race Unfolds in NPP’s Presidential Primary: Who Will Succeed Akufo-Addo?
As the political landscape in Ghana gears up for the highly anticipated 2024 presidential election, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is preparing for a pivotal event – its presidential primary election. Scheduled for Saturday, November 4, this primary will determine who will lead the party into the next election. With four prominent candidates vying for the NPP’s flagbearer position, the race has captivated the nation and sparked excitement among party supporters.
The frontrunners in this intense race include Kennedy Agyapong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Each candidate brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and political journeys to the table. Let’s take a closer look at their backgrounds:
1. Kennedy Agyapong:
– Current Role: Chairman of Parliament’s Defense and Interior Committee.
– Political Journey: Agyapong has represented Assin Central in parliament since 2000 and has maintained his seat through various elections.
– Notable: He has never lost an election, although he faced questioning for contempt of Parliament in July 2018.
2. Francis Addai-Nimoh:
– Born: March 23, 1965
– Current Role: Managing Director of Franstan Limited
– Political Journey: Served as a parliamentarian for the Mampong constituency and contested NPP’s presidential primaries in 2014.
– Career Shift: After leaving Parliament in 2017, he assumed the role of MD at Franstan Limited, overseeing construction projects and general supply distribution.
3. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto:
– Career: Notably served as an economist and consultant to the World Bank before becoming a Member of Parliament and the Agriculture Minister.
– Notable Achievement: He designed and implemented the government’s flagship Planting for Food and Jobs program, addressing key agricultural challenges.
4. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia:
– Political Journey: Bawumia served as a deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana before becoming the vice presidential candidate of the NPP in 2008.
– Notable: He played a key role in the 2012/2013 Presidential Election Petition and is recognized for his digitalization efforts driving economic transformation.
With such strong contenders, the NPP’s presidential primary on Saturday is set to be a pivotal event in Ghana’s political landscape. These candidates have traversed the country, engaging with NPP delegates and seeking their support. The burning question remains: Who will succeed President Akufo-Addo and lead the NPP into the 2024 presidential election?
In the coming days, the nation will witness the outcome of this intense race. The NPP’s presidential primary will not only determine the party’s flagbearer but also provide a glimpse into the future of Ghanaian politics. As the countdown to the primary continues, Ghanaians eagerly await the announcement of the NPP’s new torchbearer for the 2024 election.
