Ghana News Online

Former majority leader and former Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, admits that he was surprised former Member of Parliament for Assin Central and one of the contenders in the upcoming Presidential Primaries for the new Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong polled 37 per cent of the total votes cast, but states that there would be a sharp decline in the January 31, 2026 results.

According to him, Kennedy Agyapong was able to garner that much vote because there was widespread dissatisfaction, including the withdrawal of former Trade Minister at the time, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen.

Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Accra-based Asempa FM on Thursday, January 22, the former Suame lawmaker dismissed suggestions that there was organised parliamentary backing for any particular aspirant during the contest.

“I’m not aware of any group in Parliament during my time as Majority Leader. No one spoke to me about asking MPs to support a specific candidate,” he said.

He maintained that trust rather than public declarations of support is the key determinant of electoral success within the party.

“If people have trust in you, it doesn’t matter who publicly declares their support; you will win. I was surprised by Ken’s 37 per cent. I believe he benefited from discontent within the system and from Alan’s withdrawal from the race. It’s possible that things may not be the same this time, even among those who have openly declared their support,” he averred.

Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu asserted that circumstances have since changed and suggested that Mr Agyapong may struggle to replicate his 2023 performance, further reposing confidence in former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, saying his message resonates strongly with party supporters, hence, the outcome for his results would be resounding.

“Sometimes, the loudest team does not win; rather, it’s the one that is well prepared. The message that Bawumia carries resonates with the people,” he said.

He predicted that Dr Bawumia could secure a significantly higher share of the vote, projecting close to 70 per cent, depending largely on turnout and performance in the Ashanti Region.

“I believe the elections will go well for him, and he will receive a better percentage than he did in 2023. His performance will largely depend on what happens in the Ashanti Region, but I’m anticipating around 70 per cent support for Bawumia,” he added.