NPP Presidential Primary: Dr. Bryan Acheampong Wins Volta Region with 5,234 Votes

Introduction

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries held on January 31, 2026, have delivered a significant development in Ghana’s political landscape. Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Food and Agriculture Minister, emerged victorious in the Volta Region, securing 5,234 votes and establishing himself as a formidable contender in the race for the party’s presidential nomination. This victory represents approximately 45.6% of the total valid votes cast in the region, marking his strongest regional performance in the primaries.

Key Points

Background

The NPP presidential primaries represent a crucial step in determining the party’s flagbearer for the upcoming general elections. The contest attracted several high-profile candidates, including Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who has been widely considered the frontrunner due to his position as Vice President and his strong showing in previous party contests.

Dr. Bryan Acheampong, despite being a relative newcomer to national politics compared to some of his competitors, has been building momentum through strategic campaigning and leveraging his experience as a former minister. His victory in the Volta Region, traditionally considered an opposition stronghold, signals a potential shift in the party’s electoral strategy and appeal.

The Volta Region has historically been a challenging territory for the NPP, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) maintaining a strong presence there. Dr. Acheampong’s success in this region could indicate growing support for the NPP in areas where they have traditionally struggled to make significant inroads.

Analysis

Dr. Acheampong’s victory in the Volta Region carries several important implications for the NPP presidential race. First, it demonstrates his ability to connect with voters in diverse regions of the country, not just his traditional strongholds. This regional diversity in support could prove crucial in the general election, where the party will need to demonstrate broad national appeal.

The margin of victory is also noteworthy. With nearly 46% of the valid votes, Dr. Acheampong established a clear lead over Dr. Bawumia, who secured about 36% of the votes. This performance suggests that while Dr. Bawumia maintains a strong national presence, there is significant support for alternative candidates within the party.

Kennedy Agyapong’s third-place finish with 17.3% of the votes indicates that he continues to maintain a loyal base of support, though perhaps not as strong in the Volta Region as in other parts of the country. His performance will be closely watched as the primaries progress to other regions.

The relatively low vote count for Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (125 votes) and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong (48 votes) suggests that these candidates may face challenges in gaining traction in future primaries, though their continued participation could influence the dynamics of the race.

Practical Advice

For political observers and stakeholders, several key takeaways emerge from this primary result:

1. **Regional Strategy Matters**: Dr. Acheampong’s success in the Volta Region highlights the importance of developing targeted regional campaign strategies. Political candidates should invest time in understanding local issues and building genuine connections with voters in diverse regions.

2. **Grassroots Mobilization**: The significant margin of victory suggests effective grassroots mobilization. Candidates should focus on building strong local networks and engaging directly with party delegates at the constituency level.

3. **Message Tailoring**: The varying results across candidates indicate that different messages resonate in different regions. Successful campaigns will need to balance national messaging with region-specific appeals.

4. **Coalition Building**: As the primaries progress, candidates may need to consider potential alliances or endorsements to consolidate support, particularly in regions where they face strong competition.

FAQ

Conclusion

Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s victory in the Volta Region of the NPP presidential primaries marks a significant moment in Ghana’s political landscape. Securing 5,234 votes and approximately 45.6% of the valid votes, he has demonstrated his ability to connect with voters in a region that has traditionally been challenging for the NPP. This result not only provides a boost to his campaign but also signals potential shifts in the party’s regional appeal and electoral strategy.

As collation continues from over 300 polling centers across the nation, with more than 211,000 delegates having participated nationwide, the full picture of the NPP’s presidential primary will become clearer. Dr. Acheampong’s performance in the Volta Region will undoubtedly influence campaign strategies moving forward, as candidates seek to build on their strengths and address weaknesses revealed in this initial contest.

The NPP presidential primaries continue to showcase the vibrancy of Ghana’s democratic processes, with multiple candidates presenting diverse visions for the party’s future. As the race progresses, all eyes will be on how candidates build on their regional performances and position themselves for the crucial general election ahead.