118 Former NPP MP Aspirants Back Bawumia for 2028 Presidential Race

Introduction

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, 118 former New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates made a high-profile declaration at the International Press Centre in Accra, announcing their official support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s bid to lead the NPP into the 2028 Ghana presidential election. This endorsement, which comes just weeks before the NPP’s presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026, is one of the largest coordinated showings of support within the party in recent electoral cycles and signals a significant consolidation of momentum behind the former Vice President.

The announcement not only underscores Bawumia’s growing appeal among party stalwarts and grassroots members but also reflects broader trends in Ghanaian politics, including the increasing importance of digital transformation, economic competence, and inclusive leadership. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the endorsement, its implications, and what it means for the 2028 presidential race.

Key Points

Background

The NPP and Its Presidential Primaries

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is one of Ghana’s two dominant political parties, known for its center-right platform and emphasis on liberal democracy and free-market policies. The party’s presidential primaries are a critical internal process where members select the candidate who will represent the NPP in the general election. The 2026 primaries are particularly significant as they will shape the party’s direction and strategy for the 2028 presidential race.

The NPP’s primaries are typically competitive, with multiple aspirants vying for the top spot. However, endorsements from influential party members, especially former candidates, can significantly sway public opinion and internal dynamics.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s Political Career

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia served as Vice President of Ghana from January 2017 to January 2025 under President Nana Akufo-Addo. During his tenure, Bawumia was widely recognized for his role in driving digital transformation and economic reforms. Key initiatives under his leadership include:

• National Digitalisation Agenda: Spearheading the digitization of government services to improve efficiency and transparency.
• Mobile Money Interoperability: Facilitating seamless transactions between different mobile money platforms to enhance financial inclusion.
• Ghana Card Roll-out: Implementing a comprehensive national identity system to streamline access to public services.
• Public Data Digitisation: Converting paper-based records into digital formats to improve data management and service delivery.
• Domestic Gold Purchase Programme: Introducing measures to stabilize the economy by encouraging the purchase of locally produced gold.

Bawumia’s track record has positioned him as a leading figure within the NPP, known for his competence, integrity, and commitment to Ghana’s development.

The 2024 Parliamentary Elections

The 2024 Ghanaian parliamentary elections saw intense competition within the NPP, with numerous candidates vying for parliamentary seats. While many of these candidates did not win their respective constituencies, they gained valuable experience and insights into voter expectations and grassroots sentiments. This experience has informed their decision to endorse Bawumia, whom they view as the most capable and unifying leader for the party.

Analysis

Strategic Implications of the Endorsement

The endorsement by 118 former NPP MP aspirants carries significant strategic implications for Bawumia’s campaign and the broader NPP landscape:

• Mobilization of Grassroots Support: The endorsers’ extensive network across polling stations, electoral areas, and constituencies can help mobilize grassroots support for Bawumia.
• Legitimacy and Credibility: The endorsement from a diverse group of party members lends legitimacy and credibility to Bawumia’s candidacy, reinforcing his image as a unifying figure.
• Policy Continuity: The endorsers’ emphasis on Bawumia’s policy track record signals a desire for continuity in areas such as digital transformation and economic reform.
• Internal Cohesion: The endorsement aims to foster internal cohesion within the NPP, reducing the risk of factionalism and enhancing the party’s electoral prospects.

Comparison with Other Aspirants

While the endorsers acknowledged the contributions of other aspirants in the race, they emphasized that the current political and economic landscape requires a leader with Bawumia’s experience, innovative thinking, and national appeal. This comparison highlights the unique strengths that Bawumia brings to the table:

• Experience: Bawumia’s tenure as Vice President provides him with extensive experience in governance and policy-making.
• Innovative Thinking: His leadership in digital transformation and economic innovation sets him apart from other candidates.
• National Appeal: Bawumia’s reputation for integrity and competence has earned him broad support across different regions and demographics.

Grassroots Engagement and Consultation

The endorsers emphasized that their decision was the result of extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including polling station executives, electoral area coordinators, constituency executives, former executives, elders, patrons, youth groups, market women, farmers, fisherfolk, business owners, religious leaders, and traditional authorities. This grassroots engagement underscores the importance of bottom-up decision-making within the NPP and reflects a commitment to inclusiveness and representation.

The endorsers’ statement that the decision was “not borne out of inducement or coercion” but rather “rooted in sober reflection and a deep sense of duty to the NPP and to Ghana” reinforces the authenticity and credibility of their endorsement.

Policy Proposals and Vision for the Future

The endorsers highlighted several of Bawumia’s proposed reforms aimed at strengthening the welfare and empowerment of NPP grassroots members:

• Constituency-Based Appointments: A commitment to allocate at least 10 high-level appointments per constituency to ensure representation and reward hard work.
• Welfare Database: Establishing a comprehensive welfare database for party members to enhance support and services.
• Constituency-Based Budgeting: Implementing a budgeting system that prioritizes local development and economic opportunities.

These proposals reflect a forward-looking vision for the NPP, emphasizing inclusiveness, accountability, and grassroots empowerment.

Practical Advice

For NPP Members and Supporters

For NPP members and supporters, the endorsement by 118 former MP aspirants offers several practical considerations:

• Engage in Informed Decision-Making: Take the time to research and understand the policy positions and track records of all aspirants before making a decision.
• Participate in Party Activities: Actively participate in party meetings, primaries, and other activities to ensure your voice is heard.
• Promote Unity: Work towards fostering unity and cohesion within the party, avoiding divisive rhetoric and actions.
• Support Grassroots Initiatives: Engage with and support grassroots initiatives that aim to improve the welfare and empowerment of party members.

For Political Observers and Analysts

For political observers and analysts, the endorsement provides valuable insights into the dynamics of Ghanaian politics:

• Monitor Grassroots Sentiment: Pay attention to grassroots sentiment and engagement, as these often influence electoral outcomes.
• Assess Policy Continuity: Evaluate the potential for policy continuity and innovation under different leadership scenarios.
• Track Party Unity: Monitor efforts to promote unity and cohesion within the NPP, as internal divisions can impact electoral performance.
• Analyze Endorsement Impact: Assess the impact of endorsements on public opinion and internal party dynamics.

FAQ

Conclusion

The endorsement by 118 former NPP MP aspirants represents a significant milestone in Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign for the 2028 Ghana presidential election. It underscores his growing appeal among party stalwarts and grassroots members, highlights his track record in digital transformation and economic reform, and reflects a commitment to inclusiveness and grassroots empowerment.

As the NPP prepares for its presidential primaries and the 2028 general election, the endorsement serves as a call for unity, discipline, and forward-looking leadership. It emphasizes the importance of grassroots engagement, policy continuity, and innovative thinking in shaping the future of the party and the nation.

For NPP members, supporters, and political observers, the endorsement offers valuable insights into the dynamics of Ghanaian politics and the factors that will influence the 2028 presidential race. By promoting informed decision-making, active participation, and unity, the NPP can strengthen its position and enhance its prospects for electoral success.