Claims I’ve Counseled Ken Agyapong Are False – Kofi Tutu Agyare Reaffirms Support for Dr Mahmudu Bawumia’s 2028 Campaign

Introduction

In the final weeks before the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries scheduled for January 2028, Ghanaian political discourse has been flooded with rumors, memes, and unverified “insider” reports. One of the most widely shared narratives alleges that former Volta River Authority (VRA) board chairman Kofi Tutu Agyare has secretly joined the campaign of Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, a rival contender within the same party. This article examines the origins of the claim, the official denial issued by Mr. Agyare, the broader implications for the NPP’s internal dynamics, and practical steps for voters and journalists to navigate political misinformation.

Analysis

Origin of the Rumor

Social‑media platforms, especially Twitter and Facebook, began circulating a screenshot that purported to show Kofi Tutu Agyare’s signature on a “campaign advisory memo” addressed to Kennedy Agyapong. The post was accompanied by the hashtag #AgyapongAllies and quickly amassed over 12,000 engagements. No reputable news outlet corroborated the source, and the image’s metadata suggested it was created on a personal computer rather than an official campaign server.

Official Response from Kofi Tutu Agyare

On 2 December 2025, Mr. Agyare released a formal statement through a verified Twitter account and an email briefing to major Ghanaian newsrooms. The statement read:

“My attention has been drawn to claims that I have joined Hon. Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign. I wish to state that this claim is false and intended to mislead the general public on where my support is. I remain committed to Dr. Mahmudu Bawumia as the best candidate to win power for the NPP in 2028.”

In the same briefing, he urged NPP delegates to “massively” vote for Dr Bawumia in the upcoming primary, emphasizing that his political allegiance has not shifted.

Parallel Denials from Other Party Figures

The pattern of misinformation is not isolated. Former NPP National Chairman Peter Mac Manu also dismissed similar rumors in a televised interview, labeling them “fabricated” and “designed to create division ahead of the primaries.” Both denials were echoed by the NPP’s communications director, who confirmed that no formal endorsement or advisory role has been offered to either Agyapong or Agyare by the other party’s camp.

Impact on the NPP Primary Landscape

While the rumor has not altered the official candidate list—Dr Bawumia remains the sole declared contender for the party’s 2028 ticket—the controversy underscores two key dynamics:

• Intra‑party factionalism: Rumors of cross‑support can amplify existing factions, prompting members to question loyalty and strategic alignment.
• Media amplification of unverified content: The rapid spread of the claim illustrates how digital platforms can outpace fact‑checking mechanisms, especially during high‑stakes electoral cycles.

Summary

Recent social‑media claims that Kofi Tutu Agyare has joined Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign are demonstrably false. Both Mr. Agyare and former NPP chairman Peter Mac Manu have publicly refuted the allegations, reaffirming their support for Dr Mahmudu Bawumia. The episode highlights the vulnerability of Ghanaian political discourse to misinformation and reinforces the importance of verifying sources before disseminating political content.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Voters

1. Verify the source: Look for statements on verified social‑media accounts or in reputable news portals.
2. Check timestamps: Misinformation often resurfaces with outdated or altered dates.
3. Consult party communication channels: The NPP’s official website and press releases provide the most reliable updates on candidate endorsements.

For Journalists and Content Creators

1. Apply the “three‑source rule”: Confirm any political claim with at least two independent, reliable sources before publishing.
2. Use fact‑checking tools: Platforms such as FactCheck Ghana and international services (e.g., AFP Fact Check) can quickly debunk viral rumors.
3. Label unverified content: If a story is still under investigation, include a disclaimer to inform readers of its provisional status.

Points of Caution

While the current claim has been disproven, the rapid diffusion of similar rumors can create “echo chambers” that reinforce false narratives. Audiences should be wary of:

• Deep‑fake videos: Emerging technology can manipulate audio‑visual content, making it appear as if a politician has spoken or acted in a certain way.
• Anonymous “leaks”: Documents lacking provenance should be treated skeptically, especially when they align with partisan agendas.
• Hashtag manipulation: Coordinated bot activity can artificially inflate the visibility of misleading posts.

Comparison

Legal Implications

Ghana’s legal framework addresses false statements that harm a person’s reputation. Under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), sections 46‑49 define libel and slander. If the false claim about Agyare’s alleged support for Agyapong is proven to be made with malicious intent, the originator could face:

• Criminal prosecution with penalties up to two years imprisonment.
• Civil damages for reputational harm, potentially awarded to the aggrieved party.

Furthermore, the Data Protection Act, 2012 obliges individuals to obtain consent before publishing personal data, which could include private communications or images used to fabricate the rumor. Media houses are encouraged to observe the Journalism Code of Ethics adopted by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), which stresses accuracy, verification, and fairness.

Conclusion

The viral claim that Kofi Tutu Agyare has switched allegiance from Dr Mahmudu Bawumia to Kennedy Agyapong is unequivocally false, as confirmed by Agyare’s own public denial and corroborated by reputable Ghanaian news agencies. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the speed at which unverified political rumors can travel during an election cycle and underscores the responsibility of both the public and the press to practice diligent fact‑checking. As Ghana approaches the NPP’s 2028 presidential primaries, maintaining an informed electorate will be essential for a transparent and credible democratic process.

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