Adutwum expands base in Ashanti Region with emerging give a boost to – Research finds – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

Recent political developments in Ghana have captured national attention, particularly within the ranks of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as it prepares for its presidential primaries slated for January 2026. A new poll conducted by Academics and Professionals, led by Dr. Evans Duah, has revealed shifting dynamics among party delegates, with Kennedy Agyapong (KOA) emerging as the frontrunner and former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (YOA) solidifying his position in the competitive Ashanti Region. Published on October 20, 2025, the research underscores the growing importance of grassroots mobilization and regional strategy in influencing electoral outcomes. This article delves into the poll’s findings, analyze key trends, and explores the implications for Ghana’s political landscape.

Analysis of Poll Results

The September–October 2025 survey provides granular insights into delegate preferences, highlighting KOA’s dominance across southern regions and the sustained support for John Dramani Mahama (DMB) in the north. Below, we break down the data and its significance.

Kennedy Agyapong’s Unyielding Momentum

Under conservative estimates, KOA has maintained 44.11% support among delegates, a figure rising to 53.80% in optimistic scenarios—a 9.69 percentage-point surge since August 2025. This growth is attributed to intensified grassroots campaigns, including weekly town halls and digital outreach, which have amplified his visibility. The poll notes that KOA’s strength lies in his ability to connect with party members in Central, Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Western regions, where his “development-centric” messaging resonates.

Dr. Bawumia’s Stagnant Trajectory

John Dramani Mahama, the party’s vice-presidential candidate, has slipped to 39.51% in worst-case scenarios and 32.21% in best-case projections. While his support remains entrenched in northern strongholds like the North East, Northern, and Upper East regions, the poll identifies mounting challenges in expanding influence southward. Analysts suggest DMB may struggle to counter KOA’s grassroots momentum absent a strategic pivot.

Adutwum’s Ascent in the Ashanti Region

Dr. Adutwum, former Education Minister and a top-tier contender, has carved out a niche in the Ashanti Region—a historically critical voting bloc. The poll reveals his support has grown modestly but steadily, driven by his reputation as a reformer and his active engagement with local communities. This aligns with YOA’s broader strategy of focusing on education and infrastructure projects, which have bolstered his appeal among youthful, educated demographics.

Key Drivers of Shifting Preferences

Several factors have influenced the dynamic landscape captured in the poll:

KOA’s Grassroots Strategy

Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign team has intensified its presence on the ground, distributing policy handouts and organizing rallies tailored to delegates’ priorities. This hyper-local approach contrasts with DMB’s more centralized outreach model, contributing to KOA’s widening lead.

Regional Disparities

The poll underscores stark geographical divides: KOA dominates the south, while DMB retains the north. This division reflects Ghana’s polarized political geography, where southern delegates prioritize economic development and southern development projects, whereas northern regions emphasize agriculture, healthcare, and climate resilience.

Economic Concerns and Delegates’ Priorities

With inflation and unemployment dominating national discourse, delegates are increasingly evaluating candidates based on their ability to address economic challenges. KOA’s proposals for SME growth and infrastructure financing appear to align closely with these concerns, giving him an edge in delegate polls.

Summary of Findings

The Academics and Professionals poll highlights a crystallizing trend around Kennedy Agyapong, whose lead has widened since August 2025. Dr. Adutwum’s incremental gains in the Ashanti Region signal growing confidence among southern delegates, while DMB’s plateau suggests a stagnating campaign. However, the race remains fluid, with delegate sentiment subject to change as parties adjust their messaging and resource allocation ahead of the 2026 primaries.

Key Points and Takeaways

• Kennedy Agyapong: The Front-Runner

  KOA leads delegate preferences nationwide, with a 9-point rise in support since August.

• Adutwum’s Ashanti Region Boost

  YOA’s ground campaign has strengthened his base in southern Ghana, particularly among youth and educators.

• DMB’s Dwindling Momentum

  Mahama’s support has declined from August patterns, raising questions about his campaign’s effectiveness.

• Regional Campaign Dynamics

  Southern regions favor KOA, while the northern bloc rallies behind DMB, reflecting enduring political divides.

Practical Advice for Political Campaigns

The poll offers actionable insights for political strategists and analysts:

Prioritize Regional Targeting

Candidates should tailor messages to regional priorities: focus on agriculture in the north and urban development in the south.

Invest in Grassroots Networks

KOA’s success underscores the value of hyper-local engagement, including community forums, traditional media outreach, and SME partnerships.

Monitor Delegate Trends Closely

With delegate polls shaping primaries, campaigns must conduct real-time sentiment analysis to adapt strategies promptly.

Emphasize Economic Solutions

Given inflation and unemployment, policy proposals addressing economic growth will resonate with delegates.

Points of Caution: Hemmingway Considerations

While the poll provides actionable insights, analysts caution against complacency:

Race Remains Unresolved

Dr. Evans Duah, lead researcher, stressed that the outcome is “not set in stone.” Momentum can shift with unforeseen events, such as debates, endorsements, or economic shifts.

Margin of Error Risks

Though the 76% response rate is robust, delegate perspectives may evolve between polls and primaries, necessitating continuous monitoring.

Resource Allocation Challenges

Campaigns in regions strongholds where candidates lag, like DMB in the south, must strategically invest resources to regain lost ground.

Comparison of Leading Candidates

This table compares the performance of top NPP contenders based on the Academics and Professionals poll:

• Kennedy Agyapong (KOA)

  • Strengths: Grassroots momentum, southern regional dominance.
  • Weaknesses: Limited appeal in Northern regions.

• Dr. John Dramani Mahama (DMB)

  • Strengths: Established northern base, vice-presidential profile.
  • Weaknesses: Declining southern support, perception of stagnation.

• Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (YOA)

  • Strengths: Ashanti Region focus, education and infrastructure expertise.
  • Weaknesses: Niche appeal, low national profile compared to KOA.

• Dr. Bryan Acheampong (BA)

  • Strengths: Credibility as a medical doctor, experience in national health policies.
  • Weaknesses:

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    Eastern Region Focus

  • Strengths: Credibility as a medical doctor, experience in national health policies.
  • Weaknesses: Niche appeal within healthcare sector, limited visibility outside Eastern Region.

Legal Implications and Ethical Considerations

The poll’s findings must be interpreted with caution, as the authors stipulate in their disclaimer: “The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the policies or perspectives of Multimedia Group Limited.” This underscores the importance of distinguishing between academic research and party-aligned propaganda. Campaigns should ensure that all communications adhere to Ghana’s Election Law, which prohibits the misuse of public resources for partisan activities during the pre-primary period.

Conclusion

The 2026 NPP primaries are shaping up to be a tightly contested battle, with Kennedy Agyapong holding a significant edge in delegate support, particularly in southern Ghana. Dr. Adutwum’s growing presence in the Ashanti Region highlights the importance of targeted regional strategies, while DMB’s plateau suggests challenges in maintaining national appeal. As the clock ticks toward the primaries, campaigns must balance grassroots outreach with messaging that addresses delegates’ immediate concerns. The ultimate winner will likely emerge from a combination of sustained momentum, regional alignment, and the ability to resonate with Ghana’s diverse electorate.

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