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The Entire Country Desires Kennedy: Amewu Makes Sturdy Case for Agyapong

Introduction

In the wake of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) loss in the 2024 general elections, internal conversations regarding the party’s future direction and leadership for 2028 have intensified. A significant voice has emerged in this debate: former Energy Minister John Peter Amewu. In a candid interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Amewu offered a robust endorsement of Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, declaring him the “most efficient candidate” and the figure the “entire nation” desires to lead the party. This article breaks down Amewu’s rationale, his political analysis regarding swing factors, and the implications for the NPP’s upcoming internal primaries.

Key Points

Background

The New Patriotic Party is currently navigating a period of introspection following its defeat in the 2024 elections. As the party looks toward rebuilding its structure and voter base for the 2028 general elections, the conversation has naturally turned to who will lead the party as its flagbearer.

Speculation has surrounded several key figures within the party, including former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Adutwum, and Bryan Acheampong, among others. However, John Peter Amewu, a former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Energy, and Railways, as well as a former Mayor of Hohoe, has stepped forward with a decisive preference.

Amewu is a figure known for his direct political style. His tenure in various high-level government positions has placed him in direct contact with the party’s hierarchy. He utilized this history of engagement to frame his support for Kennedy Agyapong, moving beyond mere political rhetoric to a detailed analysis of electoral viability.

Analysis

Amewu’s Credibility and Personal Experience

One of the strongest pillars of Amewu’s argument is his claim of having “dealt with all these people.” Unlike the average voter who relies on public appearances and media reports, Amewu asserts a level of intimacy with the candidates developed over decades.

He traces his political relationships back to his time as Mayor of Hohoe in 2005 and 2006, extending through his years in Cabinet and Parliament. He specifically acknowledged having a “very good relationship” with Kwabena Agyapong (former General Secretary) and noted his time sitting in the cabinet and working within the economic management team alongside Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. This depth of experience allows him to compare the candidates not just on policy, but on character and leadership style.

The “Internal Environment” and Swing Factors

Amewu introduced a sophisticated framework for evaluating the candidates, distinguishing between external and internal factors. He argues that while external factors like the economy are crucial, the 2028 election will be decided by “internal environment” issues.

He defines these internal factors as:

• Empathy: The candidate’s ability to connect with the suffering of the average Ghanaian.
• Leadership Skills: The capacity to command respect and manage the party machinery.
• Collaboration: The ability to work with different party factions.
• Vision: A clear roadmap for the future.

Furthermore, Amewu highlighted the importance of swing voters, estimating that they account for 65% to 70% of electoral results. He posits that Kennedy Agyapong possesses the specific attributes required to sway this critical demographic.

The “Medium” for Unity

Amewu’s rhetoric elevates Kennedy Agyapong from a mere candidate to a “medium” for the party’s unity and the nation’s desires. He suggests that the demand for Agyapong is organic and widespread, citing informal feedback loops from taxi drivers, market women, and medical professionals. According to Amewu, the sentiment he encountered across the country consistently pointed to Agyapong.

Practical Advice

For NPP Delegates and Members

Based on Amewu’s analysis, NPP delegates preparing for the 2028 primaries should consider the following practical steps when evaluating candidates:

1. Look Beyond the Incumbency Cycle: Amewu warns against approaching the selection in the “usual way.” Delegates are advised to select a candidate who can transcend traditional political divides and appeal to the broader electorate, not just the party base.
2. Assess Ground-Level Appeal: Verify the candidate’s connection with the “common man.” Amewu’s strategy relies on the candidate’s ability to resonate with taxi drivers and market women—key swing demographics.
3. Verify “Internal” Strengths: Evaluate candidates on their empathy and collaborative skills. A candidate who scores high on these metrics is likely to be more effective in a general election where personal likability is paramount.
4. Prioritize Unity: Given the party’s recent loss, the practical advice is to back a candidate who is seen as a uniting force rather than a divisive one.

FAQ

Conclusion

John Peter Amewu’s endorsement of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong provides a significant boost to Agyapong’s campaign machinery as the NPP looks toward 2028. By grounding his support in extensive personal experience and a detailed analysis of electoral swing factors, Amewu has framed Kennedy Agyapong not just as a personal preference, but as the strategic choice for a party seeking to reconnect with the Ghanaian electorate. As the internal primaries approach, the debate will likely center on whether Amewu’s assessment—that the “entire country desires Kennedy”—holds true within the delegate body.