Introduction

Ghana’s political arena is once again heating up as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its 2026 presidential primaries. One of the most talked‑about contenders is Kwabena Agyepong, an engineer turned political aspirant who has positioned himself as a candidate who “never loses hope.” In a recent interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Agyepong described himself as an eternal optimist, emphasizing that his positive outlook will guide his campaign despite limited financial resources and a crowded field of rivals.

This article dissects Agyepong’s optimism, the context of the NPP primary process, and the broader implications for Ghanaian voters. By breaking down the key messages, legal framework, and strategic considerations, we aim to provide a clear, SEO‑optimized guide that both informs readers and answers the most common questions surrounding this emerging candidate.

Key Points

Background

NPP Primary Process in Ghana

The NPP, Ghana’s ruling party since 2016, selects its presidential candidate through a closed primary that is organized by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). The primary is open only to registered NPP members, and the winner must secure at least 30 % of the votes cast in each of the ten regional zones. The process culminates on the designated date—this year 31 January 2026—when the final tally determines the party’s nominee for the general election later in the year.

Key legal references:

• Ghana Electoral Commission (EC) – Primary Election Guidelines
• Electoral Act 2020 (Act 846)

Kwabena Agyepong – Engineer and Political Aspirant

Kwabena Agyepong holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and has over a decade of experience in infrastructure projects across Ghana. Prior to his political entry, he served as a senior project manager for a multinational construction firm, where he gained a reputation for cost‑effective solutions and community‑focused development.

In 2024, Agyepong announced his intention to run for the NPP presidential nomination, citing a desire to bring technical expertise to national governance. His background distinguishes him from many traditional political actors who come from purely political or business backgrounds.

Why the Optimism Matters

Optimism is not merely a rhetorical flourish in Ghanaian politics; it can influence voter perception, media coverage, and even the internal dynamics of a party. A candidate who projects confidence often attracts volunteers, donors, and undecided voters who are looking for a leader who believes in a positive future for the country.

Analysis

Interpreting Opinion Polls in Ghanaian Elections

Opinion polls are a staple of pre‑election coverage, yet they can be misunderstood by the public. Agyepong’s remarks on Joy News clarify his stance: polls are primarily policy‑impact indicators. They help parties gauge the effectiveness of their messaging and identify demographic groups that need more outreach. However, they are not binding forecasts because:

• Sampling bias can skew results, especially in rural constituencies where access to polling stations is limited.
• Respondents may change their minds as the campaign progresses, particularly when new issues arise.
• Election law does not recognize polls as official results; only the EC‑certified count on voting day is decisive.

For context, the 2024 Ghana presidential election saw several polls that over‑estimated the incumbent’s support by up to 12 percentage points, underscoring the need for caution when interpreting early data.

Optimism as a Strategic Tool

Agyepong’s claim to being an eternal optimist aligns with a broader strategic play:

1. Message consistency – Optimism reinforces a positive narrative that can be repeated across speeches, social media, and campaign rallies.
2. Resilience under pressure – In a highly competitive primary, candidates face criticism, negative press, and financial setbacks. A confident demeanor helps maintain morale among volunteers.
3. Voter reassurance – Many Ghanaian voters are skeptical of political promises. Demonstrating optimism signals that the candidate believes in the feasibility of change, which can reduce voter apathy.

Political science research from the University of Ghana (2023) shows that candidates who consistently project optimism are more likely to receive media coverage, even when they are not the frontrunners in polls.

Resource Constraints and Grassroots Mobilization

Agyepong openly admits that he does not have “endless resources.” This admission is noteworthy for several reasons:

• Funding limits – The 2020 Electoral Act caps campaign expenditure for presidential candidates at GHS 5 million (approximately USD 800 000). Violators face fines up to GHS 2 million and possible disqualification.
• Grassroots advantage – While large financial outlays can purchase media slots, modest candidates often rely on door‑to‑door canvassing, community meetings, and social‑media engagement.
• Support networks – Agyepong emphasizes a “lot of good people who believe in my political philosophy.” Such networks can translate into volunteer hours, in‑kind contributions (e.g., printing flyers, venue rentals), and earned media through local radio talk shows.

In the 2024 NPP primary, several candidates with limited budgets secured regional wins by leveraging strong grassroots support, proving that money is not the sole determinant of success.

Practical Advice

For Aspiring Candidates

If you are a political newcomer like Kwabena Agyepong, consider the following steps to maximize your impact without exceeding legal spending limits:

1. Define a clear, measurable policy agenda – Voters respond well to concrete proposals (e.g., infrastructure upgrades, digital governance).
2. Build a transparent finance plan – Register with the EC, keep meticulous records, and disclose all contributions.
3. Cultivate a volunteer base early – Use community events, local NGOs, and professional networks to recruit supporters.
4. Leverage free media channels – Submit op‑eds to reputable outlets, appear on talk shows, and engage with journalists on Twitter.
5. Adopt data‑driven outreach – Use voter registration databases to target swing districts and tailor messages accordingly.

For Voters and the Media

Understanding the nuances of political optimism and poll interpretation helps citizens make informed choices:

• Look beyond headlines – Verify poll methodology, sample size, and timing before drawing conclusions.
• Assess candidate substance – Compare policy proposals, track records, and funding disclosures.
• Support balanced coverage – Media outlets should present multiple perspectives, especially for candidates with limited advertising budgets.

Journalists covering the NPP primaries can adopt a