Mahamudu Bawumia 2028 NPP Presidential Candidate – Samuel Abu Jinapor Endorsement Explained

Published on 27 January 2026 – 06:49 GMT

Introduction

Ghana’s political landscape is already turning its gaze toward the 2028 presidential election. With the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) preparing to field a fresh candidate, internal deliberations have intensified. One of the most outspoken voices in these discussions is Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo and a senior strategist in the former Vice President’s campaign machinery. In a recent interview with Channel One TV, Jinapor articulated a clear, data‑driven endorsement: Mahamudu Bawumia should be the NPP’s “absolute best guess” for the 2028 race.

The endorsement carries weight because Bawumia is not a newcomer to Ghanaian politics. As Vice President from 2017‑2024, he served on the party’s presidential ticket twice and has a reputation for technocratic competence and nationwide visibility. This article unpacks Jinapor’s arguments, places them within the broader political context, and offers practical guidance for both party officials and ordinary voters. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive, SEO‑optimized understanding of why Bawumia is being positioned as the NPP’s most viable 2028 candidate.

Key Points

Background

Mahamudu Bawumia – A Brief Political Timeline

Mahamudu Bawumia entered national politics in 2008 when he was appointed as the Vice President on the NPP ticket under President John Kufuor. He later became the Finance Minister in the Akufo‑Addo administration (2013‑2016), spearheading initiatives such as the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) reforms and the introduction of the Ghana Card for digital identity.

In the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, Bawumia was the NPP’s running mate, sharing the ticket with President Nana Akufo‑Addo. He served as Vice President from 2017 until his resignation in January 2024, a period marked by a focus on digitalization, financial inclusion, and infrastructure development.

Samuel Abu Jinapor – The Endorser

Samuel Abu Jinapor represents the Damongo constituency in the Northern Region and has served as a senior member of the NPP’s campaign and marketing group. Known for his grassroots outreach, Jinapor has worked closely with several high‑profile NPP figures, including former Vice Presidents. His endorsement carries the weight of an MP who understands both national and regional electoral dynamics.

Other NPP Contenders

The party’s 2028 race features at least five serious aspirants:

• Yaw Osei Adutwum – Former Minister of Education, champion of educational reform.
• Bryan Acheampong – Former Minister of Youth and Sports, with a focus on youth empowerment.
• Kennedy Agyapong – Veteran MP and businessman, known for populist rhetoric.
• Ing. Kwabena Agyepong – Engineer and party stalwart, brings technical expertise.

Each candidate has distinct policy niches, but Jinapor argues that only Bawumia combines the requisite executive pedigree with nationwide credibility.

Analysis

Why Executive Experience Matters in Ghana’s 2028 Election

Electoral studies across Africa consistently show that voters prioritize proven leadership when choosing a president. In Ghana, the 2024 election demonstrated a clear swing toward candidates who could articulate a concrete plan for economic recovery. Bawumia’s tenure as Vice President placed him at the centre of decision‑making on inflation control, foreign exchange policy, and public‑private partnership projects—issues that remain top of mind for the electorate.

National Visibility and Reputation

Bawumia’s media presence is unparalleled among the NPP hopefuls. He regularly appears on national television, participates in televised debates, and his policy proposals are covered by both mainstream outlets (e.g., MyJoyOnline) and specialized platforms (e.g., The Graphic). This visibility translates into a brand equity that rivals the NPP’s most recognizable faces.

Integrity and the Clean‑Record Advantage

Ghana’s political culture places a premium on anti‑corruption credentials. Bawumia’s career has been largely free of scandal, a contrast to some of his rivals who have faced accusations of financial irregularities or party‑line infractions. An integrity audit conducted by the Ghana Integrity Initiative (2023) ranked him among the top three NPP figures for ethical conduct.

Strategic Timing: A Decade‑Long Party Affiliation

Bawumia has been on the NPP’s presidential ticket since 2008, a span of 16 years. This longevity creates a deep institutional memory that can be leveraged to rally party loyalists and moderate swing voters. In contrast, newcomers such as Yaw Osei Adutwum have only recently entered the national spotlight, limiting their ability to command party-wide support.

Temperament, Humility, and Vision – The “Presidential Quotient”

Jinapor’s interview emphasized three personal attributes: humility, composure, and vision. Bawumia’s public statements consistently stress collaborative governance and long‑term national development. For instance, his 2022 “Vision 2030” speech outlined a roadmap for digital education, renewable energy, and a zero‑corruption public sector—elements that resonate with both urban and rural voters.

Comparative Assessment of Rival Candidates

Below is a concise comparative table summarizing the strengths and potential gaps of each aspirant:

The table reinforces Jinapor’s claim that Bawumia’s combination of executive experience, broad visibility, and an unblemished record makes him the most electorally viable candidate for 2028.

The Political Environment Heading into 2028

Ghana’s 2028 election will take place against a backdrop of three major challenges:

• Economic recovery – Inflation has moderated but remains above 10 % (World Bank, 2025).
• Youth unemployment