Former NPP flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Agyapong says the party has never made it a practice to reward poor performance with a second shot—particularly in the selection of its presidential candidate.
Speaking at Mampong in the Ashanti Region during a visit to mourn the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Agyapong told a gathering of party loyalists that the NPP’s electoral history proves one thing: performance is non-negotiable.
“The NPP doesn’t give second chances to candidates who fail to deliver. We didn’t do it for Adu Boahen, and we shouldn’t do it now,” Agyapong declared, taking an indirect jab at Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who led the party in the 2024 general elections but lost to the NDC.
According to the former Assin Central MP, party tradition shows that second chances are earned through credible electoral performance—not handed out based on sentiment or incumbency. “Even President Kufuor had to impress in 1996 before being given another shot in 2000. Nana Addo also proved himself before his eventual win,” he said.
Citing the example of the late Prof. Adu Boahen—NPP’s 1992 flagbearer—Agyapong noted that despite his contributions to Ghana’s democratic revival, the party chose to move on after his defeat. “That tells you the NPP rewards performance, not sympathy,” he said.
Agyapong’s comments come at a time of renewed internal reflection within the NPP, as the party regroups following its defeat in the 2024 elections. His remarks are expected to reignite debate over the direction of the party and the performance of its current leadership.
Positioning himself as a realist and reform advocate, Kennedy Agyapong maintained that loyalty to the NPP must be measured by results and accountability—not blind support.