Introduction: Why Rocky Obeng Thinks Kennedy Agyapong Has Already Won

Recent statements by Joojo Rocky Obeng, former Western North Regional Minister and former Director of Elections for Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign, have intensified debate over the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer primary. Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen program, Obeng declared that Kennedy Agyapong is poised to win the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer race. His confidence rests on a specific claim: Agyapong leads in six key regions that together hold about 70% of the NPP’s delegate votes.

This analysis breaks down Obeng’s argument, examines the delegate structure of the NPP, provides context from past elections, and offers practical advice for voters and stakeholders. All information is based on verifiable facts and public statements.

Key Points: What You Need to Know Right Now

• Regional Lead: Kennedy Agyapong reportedly leads in six regions: Volta, Greater Accra, Central, Western, Eastern, and Ashanti.
• Delegate Share: These six regions account for approximately 70% of the NPP’s total delegate votes.
• Strategic Implication: Controlling delegate majorities in these regions is seen as a decisive advantage in the primary.
• Historical Precedent: Obeng cites the 2022 Kenyan presidential election where William Ruto defied polls to win.
• Polling Skepticism: Obeng questions the reliability of polling for delegate elections, citing methodological concerns.
• 2023 Context: Agyapong lost the 2023 NPP flagbearer race to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia by a narrow margin in Greater Accra.
• Upcoming Primary: The NPP primary is scheduled for January 31, 2026, with five candidates officially contesting.

Background: Understanding NPP Delegate Elections and Regional Influence

How NPP Flagbearer Primaries Work

The New Patriotic Party elects its flagbearer through a delegate system. Delegates are elected from various levels: ward, constituency, regional, and national. The primary election is held at the regional level, and the winner is determined by the total delegate votes across all regions.

Each region contributes a different number of delegates based on the size of the party’s membership and organizational strength. Regions with larger populations and stronger party structures naturally have more delegates. This makes regional performance critical to the overall outcome.

The Six Regions in Focus

The six regions cited by Obeng—Volta, Greater Accra, Central, Western, Eastern, and Ashanti—are among the most delegate-rich in the NPP. Here’s why they matter:

• Greater Accra: The capital region has a large population and a significant number of delegates. It is often a key battleground.
• Ashanti: As the NPP’s traditional stronghold, Ashanti contributes a substantial delegate pool.
• Volta: Though smaller, its delegates are strategically important in the overall count.
• Central, Western, Eastern: These regions have growing party structures and notable delegate numbers.

Together, these regions form a bloc that can determine the primary’s outcome, which is why Obeng emphasizes their importance.

Kennedy Agyapong’s Campaign History

Kennedy Agyapong, a Member of Parliament for Assin Central, has been a prominent figure in the NPP. He contested the 2023 flagbearer race and came second to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The race was close, especially in Greater Accra, where Agyapong secured over 17,000 votes compared to Bawumia’s just over 19,000.

This narrow margin is often cited to illustrate Agyapong’s competitive strength, even in challenging circumstances.

Analysis: Evaluating Obeng’s Claims and the Role of Polls

Assessing the Regional Lead Claim

Obeng’s assertion that Agyapong leads in six regions is based on internal campaign assessments and grassroots feedback. While specific delegate numbers are not publicly released by the NPP, regional performance in party activities and internal elections often serves as an indicator of delegate preferences.

However, it is important to note that delegate elections are dynamic. Preferences can shift based on campaign momentum, public statements, and emerging issues. Therefore, while a lead is advantageous, it is not a guarantee of victory.

Polling Accuracy and Methodology

Obeng referenced the 2022 Kenyan presidential election to illustrate that polls are not always accurate predictors of outcomes. In that election, several polling firms, including InfoTrack, predicted a win for Raila Odinga. However, William Ruto won the presidency.

The key lesson here is that delegate elections differ from public opinion polls. Delegates are party members with specific interests and loyalties, which may not align with broader public sentiment. Additionally, the methods used to survey delegates—such as phone interviews, online surveys, or in-person meetings—can affect the reliability of results.

Obeng’s concern is that some polling methods may not adequately capture the views of all delegates, particularly those in remote areas or with limited access to technology. This could lead to sampling bias and inaccurate predictions.

Historical Context: 2023 NPP Flagbearer Race

The 2023 NPP flagbearer race provides useful context. Agyapong’s performance, especially in Greater Accra, demonstrated his ability to mobilize support. The narrow margin in that region suggests a competitive race and highlights the importance of every delegate.

Obeng’s mention of the 2,000-vote difference in Greater Accra underscores how small shifts in delegate preferences can change outcomes. This makes the primary highly competitive and underscores the value of sustained campaign efforts across all regions.

Strategic Implications for the 2026 Primary

If Agyapong indeed leads in six delegate-rich regions, it positions him as a strong contender. However, other candidates are also actively campaigning. The primary’s outcome will depend on several factors:

• Consistency of campaign messaging across regions.
• Ability to mobilize grassroots supporters and delegates.
• Handling of public debates and media appearances.
• Addressing any internal party dynamics or endorsements.

Therefore, while regional leads are important, they are one part of a broader strategy.

Practical Advice: What Voters and Stakeholders Should Consider

For NPP Delegates

• Verify Information: Seek accurate information about candidates from official party sources and credible media outlets.
• Engage in Debates: Attend candidate forums and debates to assess policies and leadership qualities.
• Consider Party Unity: Evaluate how each candidate can unite the party and appeal to a broad electorate.
• Focus on Track Record: Review candidates’ past performance in public office and party roles.

For Political Observers and Media

• Avoid Speculation: Report facts and verified statements without adding unverified claims.
• Contextualize Polls: When reporting polls, explain methodology and limitations to provide accurate context.
• Promote Fair Coverage: Ensure balanced coverage of all candidates to support a democratic process.

For the General Public

• Stay Informed: Follow reliable news sources for updates on the primary and candidate positions.
• Encourage Transparency: Support calls for transparent delegate election processes.
• Respect Outcomes: Regardless of personal preferences, respect the primary’s outcome and support party unity.

FAQ: Common Questions About the NPP Primary and Agyapong’s Campaign

Q: How many delegates does the NPP have in total?

A: The NPP does not publicly disclose exact delegate numbers. However, estimates suggest that the six regions mentioned hold about 70% of the total delegates.

Q: When is the NPP primary scheduled?

A: The primary is scheduled for January 31, 2026.

Q: Who are the other candidates in the race?

A: As of the latest official list, five candidates are contesting. Names and details are available on the NPP’s official website.

Q: Can delegate preferences change before the primary?

A: Yes, delegate preferences can shift due to campaign developments, public statements, and emerging issues. The primary remains competitive until voting day.

Q: Why is polling for delegate elections different from public polls?

A: Delegate polls survey party members with specific interests, while public polls measure broader voter sentiment. The methodologies and sample sizes also differ, affecting accuracy.

Q: What role did Rocky Obeng play in Agyapong’s campaign?

A: Obeng served as the Director of Elections for Agyapong’s campaign and as the Western North Regional Minister. His insights are based on his experience in party politics and electoral strategy.

Conclusion: Regional Leads Matter, But the Race Is Still Open

Joojo Rocky Obeng’s assertion that Kennedy Agyapong leads in six key NPP regions highlights the strategic importance of regional delegate performance. With these regions holding about 70% of the party’s delegates, a strong showing there is undoubtedly a significant advantage.

However, delegate elections are dynamic, and the primary remains competitive. Polling accuracy, campaign momentum, and grassroots mobilization will all influence the final outcome. Stakeholders should focus on verified information, transparent processes, and party unity.

As the January 31 primary approaches, continued engagement and informed participation will be crucial for all delegates and supporters.

Sources and Further Reading

• Life Pulse Daily. (2026). Kennedy Agyapong’s advertising secured with lead in six areas, says Rocky Obeng. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
• Asempa FM. (2026). Ekosii Sen program transcript. Accessed January 7, 2026.
• Electoral Commission of Ghana. (2026). NPP delegate election guidelines.
• InfoTrack Kenya. (2022). Polling data for Kenyan presidential election.
• New Patriotic Party. (2026). Official website and primary schedule.
• Obeng, J. R. (2026). Interview on Asempa FM. Ekosii Sen.