Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum Warns: Don’t Underestimate NPP Delegates’ Strategic Vision for 2028

Introduction

In the lead-up to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) internal presidential primaries, a significant narrative is emerging regarding the agency and political acumen of party delegates. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the former Minister of Education and a leading flagbearer aspirant, has issued a stern caution to both the public and his political rivals: do not underestimate the NPP delegates. According to Dr. Adutwum, the delegates are not merely voting based on sentiment or popularity but are engaged in a rigorous, pragmatic analysis to identify a candidate capable of securing victory in the 2028 general elections. This article explores the depth of his statement, the strategic mindset of the NPP grassroots, and what this means for the future of Ghana’s political landscape.

Key Points

Background

The context of Dr. Adutwum’s remarks is the intense competition within the New Patriotic Party to select a presidential candidate to lead the party into the 2028 general elections. Following the 2024 electoral cycle, the NPP has been in a period of rebuilding and strategic reassessment. The party delegates, who serve as the electoral college for selecting the flagbearer, hold immense power. Their decision will determine who faces the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the next general election.

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, known for his tenure at the Ministry of Education where he championed educational transformation, is one of several aspirants vying for the mantle. His statement came during an appearance on PleasureNews’ Newsfile program on Saturday, January 17, 2026 (as per the source context). His intervention was designed to shift the conversation from internal party maneuvering to a broader discussion about national rescue and electoral viability.

Analysis

The Strategic Mindset of the NPP Delegates

Dr. Adutwum’s assertion that “delegates are on the lookout for any individual who’ll win the 2028 polls” highlights a critical evolution in Ghanaian internal party politics. Historically, party primaries can sometimes devolve into contests of popularity or factional loyalty. However, Adutwum paints a picture of a more sophisticated electorate within the NPP.

He argues that delegates are “strategic and discerning.” This suggests that they are conducting a cost-benefit analysis of each aspirant. They are asking: Who has the capacity to unseat the incumbent government? and Who possesses the vision that resonates with the general voting public? By noting that delegates “engage with ordinary electorate in their communities,” Adutwum underscores the delegates’ role as political barometers. They are not isolated in Accra; they are the bridge between the party hierarchy and the “man on the street.”

Competence vs. Rhetoric

A central pillar of Adutwum’s analysis is the distinction between substance and noise. His quote, “They are looking for somebody who can win the 2028 polls, not just somebody who can make noise,” is a direct critique of campaign strategies that rely heavily on political grandstanding without tangible policy backing. For the NPP, a party that prides itself on economic management and development, the “noise” argument suggests a desire to return to a technocratic and performance-based governance model. Delegates, according to Adutwum, are savvy enough to see through superficial campaigning and are rooting for a candidate with proven competence.

Practical Advice

For Aspirants and Campaign Teams

Based on Dr. Adutwum’s insights, aspirants looking to secure the NPP flagbearer position should adopt the following strategies:

• Ground Campaigns: Do not rely solely on media presence. As Adutwum notes, delegates know what the people are saying “on the ground.” Campaigns must be visible in the constituencies, listening to local concerns.
• Articulate a Winning Vision: It is not enough to be popular within the party. Aspirants must demonstrate a clear, actionable roadmap for winning the 2028 general election. This includes data-driven strategies for swing regions.
• Focus on Electability: Address the “electability question” head-on. Delegates are risk-averse; they will likely coalesce around the candidate they believe has the highest probability of defeating the NDC. Aspirants must prove they have the broad appeal required for a national contest.

FAQ

Conclusion

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum’s warning against underestimating the NPP delegates serves as a reminder that the upcoming internal selection is a serious affair with national implications. The delegates are not passive observers; they are active, strategic participants looking for a candidate who offers more than just party loyalty. They are seeking a winner—someone with the competence, vision, and electability to secure the future of the New Patriotic Party and, by extension, influence the direction of Ghana in 2028. As the January 31 deadline approaches, the focus will undoubtedly remain on how aspirants measure up to these high standards of scrutiny.