Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to uphold decorum in the lead-up to the party’s presidential primary scheduled for January 2026.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 13, when over 490 youth organisers — including substantive and deputy youth leaders from constituencies nationwide — presented his nomination forms, Dr. Bawumia urged aspirants and their supporters to shun insults during the campaign.
“I want this flagbearership election to be conducted with decorum. We’re not in a campaign of insults, and we should not be in a campaign of insults. It should be about ideas. And that is what will capture the imagination of Ghanaians.
NPP Flagbearer hopefuls
“What ideas do we have? What are we bringing to the table? How are we going to solve the problems Ghanaians face? As a party, I admonish everybody, all the aspirants and our supporters, that let us focus on marketing or selling our respective aspirants,” he advised.
Dr. Bawumia cautioned that negative campaigning could damage the party and provide ammunition for its political opponents.
“When we bring down other people, we bring down the party. Our messages will be taken by our opponents, and they will use them against us.
“I will not, and you will never hear me insulting any aspirants. Because when this election is over, we have to contest a general election. And if we divide ourselves today, we will have difficulty in uniting for a general election tomorrow. So, let us begin the process with unity, and end with unity because that will bring victory in 2028.”
In a bold show of support, Hundreds of youth organisers of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, August 13, thronged the party’s headquarters in Accra to pick up presidential nomination forms on behalf of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
The delegation, comprising constituency and regional youth organisers from across the country, arrived in coordinated NPP-branded attire, chanting party slogans and singing patriotic songs as they entered the premises.
some scenes from the ceremony
Addressing the media, Isaac Obeng, a youth organiser, described the occasion as both a celebration of young people and a significant political moment.
“Yesterday was International Youth Day, and as youth organisers and deputies from various constituencies, we believe we cannot remain idle in our constituencies without marking this remarkable day,” he said.
He explained that their visit to the party headquarters was more than symbolic. “We are here today to pick the form for our incoming president, Insha Allah, Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia. We believe this is a gift to him.”
Obeng emphasised the unity and enthusiasm among the youth, noting that representatives from numerous constituencies had come together to make the gesture.
“You can see here representatives of youth organisers from various constituencies who have come to pick this form, and from here we will move to his residence, his campaign office, where we will officially present the forms to him,” he noted.
The youth organiser expressed confidence in Dr Bawumia’s leadership, suggesting that the day could mark a turning point for Ghana.
“We know that, Insha Allah, this day is the day Ghana’s destiny will be rewritten. What the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has done and continues to do shows that the things Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia accomplished as Vice President are exactly what our country needs.”
On Tuesday, August 5, a group of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament picked up nomination forms on behalf of NPP presidential hopeful Kennedy Agyapong, ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026.Source: Emmanuel Tetteh
According to one of the Aides of H. E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, “Dr. Bawumia despite inheriting an economic mess still mobilized more votes than any first-time NPP candidate except Akufo-Addo”.
The above statement is clearly a distortion of facts, as well as lack accuracy of proper scientific analysis of data.
First and foremost, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a 2024 Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) inherited the economic mess from:
1. Who?
2. Which government?
3. Which political party?
The NPP government of which Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was the Vice-President and Head of Economic Management Team handed power to itself on 7th January 2021 after winning the 2020 general elections. So, in effect, it means that Dr. Bawumia inherited the economic mess from which source?
Razak KoJo Opoku (PhD)
Now, putting the facts forward regarding the electoral performance of first-time NPP candidates, it is NOT entirely true that, Dr. Bawumia mobilized more votes than any first-time NPP candidate except Akufo-Addo.
As a matter of fact, it is only Akufo-Addo that we can match his electoral performance to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia because both of them contested the national presidential elections at the period when NPP was in government for 8 years (incumbent Presidential candidates) respectively.
Professor Albert Adu Boahen contested the 1992 Presidential election at the time UP Tradition has been in opposition for 20 years after the overthrown of Busia government in 1972.
NPP Flagbearer hopefuls
John Agyekum Kufuor contested the 1996 Presidential election at the time UP Tradition has been in opposition for 24 years after the overthrown of Busia government in 1972.
Electoral Performance of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in 2024 as a first-timer
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia polled 4, 877, 611 votes based on:
1. Total Valid Votes of 11, 683, 483
Total Rejected Ballots of
247, 937
Total Votes Cast of
11, 931, 420
Total Valid Voters(Registered Voters) of
18, 774, 159
Voters Turnout of 63.9%
275 out of 276 Constituencies, with the Ablekuma North Constituency still outstanding.
John Mahama obtaining 6, 591, 790 votes
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia lost the 2024 Presidential election
with votes difference of 1, 714, 179 between him and John Mahama.
Electoral Performance of Professor Adu Boahen in 1992 as a first-timer
Professor Adu Boahen polled 1, 204, 764 votes based on:
1. Total Valid Votes of 3, 978, 065
Total Rejected Ballots of
149, 811
Total Votes Cast of
4, 127, 876
Total Valid Voters(Registered Voters) of
8, 229, 902
Voters Turnout of
50.16%
200 Constituencies
Jerry John Rawlings obtaining 2, 323, 135 votes
Professor Albert Adu Boahen lost the 1992 presidential election with votes difference of 1, 118, 371 between him and Jerry John Rawlings.
Electoral Performance of John Agyekum Kufuor in 1996 as a first-timer
John Agyekum Kufuor polled 2, 834, 878 votes based on:
1. Total Valid Votes of 7, 145, 772
Total Rejected Ballots of
120, 921
Total Votes Cast of 7, 266, 693
Total Valid Voters(Registered Voters) of
9, 279, 605
Voters Turnout of 78.31%
200 Constituencies
Jerry John Rawlings obtaining 4, 099, 758 votes
John Agyekum Kufuor lost the 1996 Presidential election with votes difference of 1, 264, 880 between him and Jerry John Rawlings.
Unbiased Verdict
Based on the aforementioned facts and data, in terms of Raw Data or Actual Votes mobilized respectively for 2024, 1996, and 1992, it is NEVER true that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Mobilized more Votes than Professor Adu Boahen and John Agyekum Kufuor:
Professor Albert Adu Boahen lost 1992 presidential election with votes difference of 1, 118, 371, which is far less than Dr. Bawumia’s loss of 1, 714, 179, implying that 1, 714, 179 minus 1, 118, 371 = 595, 808 votes difference)
John Agyekum Kufuor lost the 1996 presidential election with votes difference of 1, 264, 880, which is far less than Dr. Bawumia’s loss of 1, 714, 179, implying that 1, 714, 179 minus 1, 264, 880 = 449, 299 votes difference
Correct and well learned Data Scientist or Data Analyst do not ONLY rely on percentages to draw conclusions. It is very serious erroneous assumption to compare Dr. Bawumia’s 41.75% in 2024 to Adu Boahen’s 30.29% in 1992, and John Kufuor’s 39.67% in 1996, and exclusively conclude that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia mobilized more Votes than Professor Albert Adu Boahen and John Agyekum Kufuor. Raw data would always give you the raw and accurate performance of Candidates, not rating performance based on percentages.
Electoral Performance of Nana Akufo-Addo as a First-Timer
It is without doubt that, Nana Akufo-Addo did extremely well in the 2008 presidential election as a first-timer, losing the election with 40, 586 votes difference between him and Prof. John Evans Atta Mills. Impressively, Akufo-Addo also had 107 Parliamentary Seats out of 230 Seats, while the NDC had 116 Seats after the 2008 general election.
Comparing the Electoral Defeats of Mills, Mahama and Dr. Bawumia as First Time Vice-Presidents
It is very authoritative and essentially profound to conclude that both Professor Atta Mills, and John Mahama PERFORMED BETTER than Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in presidential elections as sitting Vice-Presidents:
Mills LOST the 2000 presidential election with votes difference of 881,139 between him and John Agyekum Kufuor.
John Mahama WON the 2012 presidential election with a votes difference of 325, 863 between him and Nana Akufo-Addo.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia LOST the 2024 presidential election with votes difference of 1, 714,179 between him and John Mahama.
Conclusion
The dwindling fortunes of NPP simultaneously at the Presidential level and Parliamentary level after the 2024 general election should be a major concern to all true members of the Elephant Family.
We cannot continue to whitewash the magnitude of 2024 defeat by comparing 2024 defeat to 1992 and 1996 defeats of NPP at the periods when UP Tradition has been in opposition for 20-24years.
Our 2024 defeat is a shared responsibility, and our fight for 2028 general election should also be a shared responsibility. However, we need to present the preferred choice of the majority of Ghanaian people.
….Signed….
Razak Kojo Opoku(PhD)
Founding President of UP Tradition Institute
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will not field a candidate in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election, following the tragic death of the area’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash.
Dr. Murtala Mohammed was among eight individuals who lost their lives when a military Helicopter they were travelling in crashed in Adansi Akrofoum in the Ashanti Region.
His passing has created a vacancy in the Tamale Central seat, prompting preparations for a by-election in accordance with Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
In a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party said the decision was taken during a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at its national headquarters.
The resolution, made in line with Article 10(10)(1) of the NPP Constitution, was influenced by what the party described as the “circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant” and the need to avoid deepening political divisions at a time of national mourning.
“The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP,” the statement read.
“The tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided.”
The party noted that the most fitting way to honour Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other crash victims was not only to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) but also to ensure a peaceful and uncontentious process to replace the late MP.
“When the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election, the NPP will, in accord with the national interest, not take part in the contest,” the statement concluded.
Political observers say the NPP’s decision is a rare gesture in Ghana’s competitive political climate, potentially setting the stage for a consensus candidate or an uncontested by-election in the constituency.
A group of young party executives has picked up nomination forms on behalf of Dr. Bryan Acheampong for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership race.
The group visited the party’s national headquarters in Accra to complete the formalities before presenting the forms to Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah, former Member of Parliament for Tema West and Campaign Manager for the Bryan Acheampong Campaign.
Receiving the forms at the campaign office, Mr. Ahenkorah described the gesture as a strong expression of trust and commitment to Dr. Acheampong’s leadership ambitions.
“This is not just about picking forms; it is about the future of the NPP and the future of Ghana,” he told the group. “When the youth take this initiative, it shows that they believe in a leader who can unite our party, deliver on his promises, and secure our electoral victory in 2028.”
He thanked the group and stressed that the campaign would focus on unity, competence, and delivering results for both party and country.
Some members of the delegation said they were inspired by Dr. Acheampong’s achievements in public service, highlighting his work in the agriculture sector and his reputation for discipline and effective leadership. They expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party to victory in the next general elections.
The presentation of the forms marks the official start of Dr. Acheampong’s participation in what is expected to be one of the most competitive internal races in the NPP’s history. Several high-profile contenders are expected to join the race, setting the stage for an intense campaign in the months ahead.
Party insiders say the move by the youth gives Dr. Acheampong early momentum, particularly among grassroots members who hold significant sway in internal elections. Political observers note that such grassroots mobilisation often signals a candidate’s organisational strength and appeal within the party base.
With nominations now open, attention will turn to how each contender positions themselves to win the confidence of delegates ahead of the party’s primaries in January 2026 Source:.Citi Newsroom
ANNOUNCEMENT
PUBLICATION OF PRINPAG VOTERS’ REGISTER FOR THE 2025 NATIONAL ELECTIONS
The Elections Committee of the Private Newspapers and Online Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) is pleased to announce the official publication of the Voters’ Register for the upcoming 2025 PRINPAG National Executive Elections.
The register comprises the names of eligible voters who have fulfilled all the requirements as outlined in the association’s constitution and electoral guidelines. This marks a critical milestone in our collective efforts to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
All members are hereby encouraged to:
Verify their details in the register to ensure correctness;
Report any discrepancies or omissions to the Elections Committee through the designated channels within the stipulated correction window; 4th – 12 August, 2025.
Familiarize themselves with the electoral calendar and relevant guidelines in preparation for voting day.
Voter Eligibility: Only members of PRINPAG as of 7th July 2025- the date on which the Elections Committee published the official guidelines for the elections, and of good standing as at 31st July, 2025, are eligible to vote.
The Elections Committee remains committed to conducting an inclusive and credible election that upholds the values and aspirations of PRINPAG.
For inquiries, or further information, please contact the Elections Committee via 0244206890.
Let us all play our part in strengthening the association through active, informed, and responsible participation.
Signed:
Chairman
PRINPAG Elections Committee, 2025
ANNOUNCEMENT
GUIDELINES FOR PROXY VOTING IN THE PRINPAG 2025 ELECTIONS
The Elections Committee of the Private Newspapers and Online Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) wishes to inform all members that proxy voting will be permitted in the upcoming 2025 PRINPAG National Elections, in accordance with the association’s electoral regulations.
Members who, for valid reasons, are unable to vote in person may appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf under the following strict guideline:
Both the proxy (donor) and the person appointed to vote (donee) must have their names listed on the official Voters’ Register published by the Elections Committee.
Members wishing to assign a proxy must:
Submit a formal proxy authorization letter, duly signed by the donor and acknowledging the consent of the donee.
Ensure that the proxy authorization is submitted from 4th – 12th August 2025.
Use only the official proxy form provided by the Elections Committee.
The Committee emphasizes that any proxy arrangement that does not meet the above requirement will be null and void.
We encourage all members to adhere to this directive in the spirit of transparency and accountability.
For access to the proxy form or further clarification, please contact the Elections Committee on 0244206890.
For far too long, Ghana’s economic hope has rested heavily on the shoulders of its natural resources; gold, cocoa, bauxite, oil, and timber. These blessings of nature have been the backbone of our economy for decades. Yet, despite this wealth, our nation still struggles with unemployment, low industrial capacity, and a slow pace of technological advancement.
The hard truth is this: natural resources alone cannot deliver national prosperity. They are finite. They are vulnerable to price fluctuations in the global market. And history has shown that resource-rich nations often fail to translate that wealth into long-term, broad-based development.
What truly sustains a nation is its human capital — a well-educated, highly skilled, and innovative population capable of creating wealth and driving progress regardless of what lies beneath the soil.
Lessons from the World: Human Capital as the Real Gold
The world offers us undeniable evidence of what is possible when a nation places its bet on its people.
Singapore is perhaps the most compelling example. In the 1960s, it was a small island nation with no oil, no gold, and no arable land to feed its people. Yet, in a single generation, Singapore became one of the wealthiest and most advanced nations in the world. How? By investing heavily in education, building world-class schools, and creating a workforce skilled in technology, finance, and innovation. Education was not an afterthought, it was the engine of economic transformation.
China presents another lesson. While blessed with some resources, China’s meteoric rise to become the world’s manufacturing hub and now a leader in high-tech industries came not from resource exports, but from the systematic development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. For decades, China produced millions of engineers, scientists, and innovators who could power large-scale industrialization and now drive breakthroughs in AI, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
Dr.Osei Yaw Adutwum, former Ghana’s Education Minister
South Korea is equally instructive. Emerging from the ashes of war in the 1950s, it was a poor, resource-scarce nation. The government made a deliberate choice: make education universal, technical, and globally competitive. Within decades, South Korea transformed into an innovation powerhouse, home to world-class companies like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG, proof that a nation can engineer its prosperity through education and human capital development.
The message is clear: the wealth of nations is no longer in natural resources, but in the minds and skills of their people.
Why Ghana Needs Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum Now
If Ghana is to break from its dependency on natural resources and step into a future defined by innovation, technology, and global competitiveness, we need a leader who understands that education is the foundation of national transformation. That leader is Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.
Before his entry into Ghanaian politics, Dr. Adutwum distinguished himself in the United States by founding and successfully managing charter schools with a strong focus on STEM education. These schools not only met but exceeded performance benchmarks, proving his ability to design and sustain high-quality education systems in competitive and diverse environments.
When he returned home to serve as Deputy Minister and later substantive Minister for Education, his leadership marked a clear shift in Ghana’s educational priorities:
• Championing STEM education nationwide, establishing state-of-the-art STEM high schools equipped with modern laboratories and technology.
• Repositioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a respected and viable path for young people, aligning skills training with market demands.
• Introducing forward-looking educational policies that connect classroom learning with real-world applications, ensuring Ghana’s graduates can compete both locally and globally.
A Vision Already in Action: Engineers for Every Constituency
Perhaps one of Dr. Adutwum’s boldest promises is his vision to produce strong engineers in all 276 constituencies of Ghana, creating a nationwide network of technical experts capable of driving industrialization, infrastructure development, and innovation.
This vision is not mere campaign rhetoric. In his own constituency, Bosomtwe, he has already laid the foundation for it:
• He has funded over 300 students in the last six years to pursue various engineering disciplines in tertiary institutions across Ghana.
• He has established STEM-focused schools and laboratories that prepare young people for competitive STEM fields.
• He has built partnerships between educational institutions and industry to ensure graduates transition smoothly into relevant, high-impact careers.
This is practical, measurable action — proof that his vision for Ghana is not just possible, but already happening.
The Road Ahead: From Potential to Prosperity
Ghana stands at a pivotal moment. We can either continue the cycle of relying on natural resources and outdated political practices, or we can pivot toward a future built on the limitless power of human capital.
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum is not just another political figure; he is a proven reformer, an educator, and a visionary. His life’s work is living proof that education can transform lives, communities, and nations. He offers Ghana a fresh face, a transformational agenda, and a unifying vision that cuts across political divides.
If Singapore could rise without resources, if China could transform through STEM, and if South Korea could innovate its way from poverty to prosperity, then Ghana, under Dr. Adutwum’s leadership, can achieve even greater heights.
The Ghana we envision is one where every child has access to quality education, where every constituency produces innovators and problem-solvers, and where our economy is powered by the skills, creativity, and determination of our people.
The leader to take us there is clear: Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the man to turn Ghana’s human capital into our greatest resource and our strongest path to prosperity.
By Frank Antwi Boasiakoh, Teacher, Educational Leader, STEM Enthusiast, Former Member of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, and currently a PhD Candidate in Educational Leadership.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, as the date for a by-election in the Akwatia Constituency of the Eastern Region following the death of the Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi.
The Commission explained that the seat has officially become vacant in line with Article 112(5) of the Constitution, which mandates a by-election when a parliamentary seat becomes vacant.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 30, the EC said it will open nominations for individuals interested in contesting the by-election. “The Commission will receive nominations from prospective candidates for the election of a Member of Parliament for the said constituency,” the statement read.
Nomination Period and Requirements
Nomination forms can be downloaded from the EC’s official website (www.ec.gov.gh) starting, 30th July 2025 through to 13th August 2025.
Submission of nomination forms will take place at the Denkyembour District Office from 11th to 13th August 2025, between 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily.
Candidates are required to submit their forms in person or through their proposer or seconder. The forms must be endorsed by two registered voters – a proposer and a seconder – and supported by 18 other registered voters in the constituency.
In addition to the forms, candidates must submit two passport-sized photographs showing their full face and ears, taken against a red background.
Filing Fees
The filing fee for each candidate is set at GH¢10,000. However, female candidates and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will pay a reduced fee of GH¢7,500.
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially opened nominations for its highly anticipated presidential primaries, setting the stage for what is expected to be a competitive race to select the party’s candidate for the 2028 general elections.
Aspiring flagbearers could face some financial hurdles, with nomination forms pegged at GH₵100,000 and the final filing fee set at GH₵500,000.
Justin Frimpong Kodua,NPP General Secretary
The announcement was made by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, at a press briefing in Accra today, July 29, signalling the formal commencement of the internal contest.
“I’m happy to announce to you that we have officially opened nominations for our party members to become presidential candidates of our party for the 2028 elections,” the General Secretary declared, setting the timeline for the crucial exercise.
NPP Flagbearer hopefuls
According to the announced guidelines, the NPP presidential primaries are slated to be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
The nomination period commences today, July 29, 2025, and will close exactly one month later, on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
The combined cost of GH₵600,000 for nomination and filing represents a substantial investment for any aspirant.
This financial barrier is a common feature in Ghana’s major political parties’ internal elections, often generating debate about inclusivity and the role of money in politics.
While parties argue these fees contribute to the organisational costs of primaries, critics contend they limit participation to only the wealthiest or those with significant financial backing, potentially alienating grassroots candidates.
The NPP’s decision to open nominations nearly two and a half years before the 2028 general elections highlights the party’s intent to provide ample time for its flagbearer to prepare and unite the party ranks after a potentially bruising primary contest. It also reflects a strategic move to focus early on internal cohesion and external campaigning.Source: David Apinga
The Ashanti Regional Organizer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP),who doubles as the dean of all Regional Organisers,Dr Francis Adomako,has admonished the members of TESCON to be bold, vocal and strategic in championing the vision the Party
The hard working NPP Organizer,who received a rousing welcome at KNUST-TESCON meeting last Saturday, highlighted the significance of TESCON in shaping future leaders of the NPP and expressed his admiration for the organizational strength of the KNUST chapter.
Some scenes from the event
Dr Adomako, who’s affectionately called Francois, therefore,pledged his continuous support for TESCON institutions across the region and encouraged students to be bold, vocal, and strategic in championing the vision of the New Patriotic Party.
It would be recalled that,over the weekend, the Ashanti Regional Organizer, Dr. Francis Adomako (Francois), honored an invitation to the TESCON branch of Agona College of Education (SDACOE), where he engaged with the student leaders and members on the future of the party and the critical role of TESCON in mobilizing the youth. He delivered a powerful message centered on discipline, political education, and commitment to party values, encouraging members to remain focused and active in promoting the NPP’s agenda.
After SDACOE, Dr. Francois proceeded to St. Louis College of Education, where he interacted with the female-led TESCON chapter, applauding their zeal and urging them to combine academic excellence with active political participation. He commended their efforts in keeping the flame of the party alive on campus.
