By D. I. Laary, GNA
Koforidua, Feb. 1, GNA – Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia led the New Patriotic Party (NPP) tally in the Eastern Region during Saturday’s January 31, presidential primary, held under heightened security that included a strict mobile‑phone ban at some centres.
Certified results show Dr Bawumia secured 10,487 of 20,370 valid ballots cast on January 31.
A regional summary sheet titled “New Patriotic Party Presidential Primaries, January 2026, Regional Summary of Results” indicated 37 rejected ballots.
Dr Bryan Acheampong followed with 5,918 votes, Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong polled 3,867, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum garnered 76, and Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyepong received 22.
In Somanya, police enforced tight restrictions at the Ogome Anglican School voting centre, collecting mobile phones and bags from delegates to prevent ballot photography.
District Commander Kingsley Abrokwa said 60 officers were deployed to maintain order.
Delegates deposited their belongings at a designated collection point before entering the restricted zone. Police said the measures were intended to protect ballot secrecy and ensure a clean process.
In the Yilo Krobo Constituency, Dr Acheampong topped the poll with 386 votes, followed by Dr Bawumia with 276 and Kennedy Agyapong with 156.
Dr Adutwum and Mr Kwabena Agyapong earned three votes each. Officials recorded 824 valid ballots and one rejected vote.
Supporters of Dr Acheampong described the outcome as signalling a unifying path ahead of the 2028 general election, while Kennedy Agyapong’s local team pledged support for the eventual flagbearer.
Dr Bawumia also won the New Juaben South Constituency, securing 594 of 974 valid votes.
Kennedy Agyapong followed with 268, Acheampong had 104, Adutwum three, and Kwabena Agyepong recorded no votes.
Five ballots were rejected. Voting at Koforidua SecTech Centres A and B ran from 0700 to 1400 hours under tight security, with officers screening delegates for prohibited items. Turnout increased steadily, and the exercise ended without incident.
In Akropong‑Akuapem, Dr Bawumia again led with 566 of 769 valid ballots. Acheampong received 117 votes, Kennedy Agyapong 82, Adutwum one, and Kwabena Agyepong Agyepong three. No ballots were rejected. The centre opened on schedule, processed delegates in batches, and reported a calm atmosphere.
Police said they were prepared for any eventuality, while observers from the British High Commission visited the centre earlier in the day.
Mr Sammy Awuku, NPP Member of Parliament for Akropong, later praised the orderly conduct of the poll.
Party officials across the region urged unity after the count, highlighting cohesion as key to building a strong campaign toward the 2028 general election. While the results reflected competitive pockets across constituencies, the Eastern Region’s overall trend tilted in favour of Dr Bawumia.
The primary forms part of the NPP’s multi‑stage process to select a presidential candidate for the upcoming national elections.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
