An aspiring flagbearer of the 2026 primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Bryan Acheampong, has reiterated the need for unity within the party, following recent remarks by Mr Kennedy Agyapong warning that he will take “action” in June and July 2027 if provoked.
Dr Acheampong indicated that in the aftermath of the party’s defeat in the 2024 general election, its most pressing task was to rebuild, reunite and position itself to return to power in 2028.
He appealed to Mr Agyapong, his supporters and his own followers to put aside internal divisions and work together in the interest of the party.
He underscored the need for members to unite behind the party’s flagbearer to enable the NPP to regain power and continue serving Ghanaians.
In a press statement issued and signed by Dr Acheampong in Accra, he acknowledged that Mr Agyapong’s energy, resources and long-standing loyalty to the party could not be questioned, adding that his voice continued to carry significant influence at the grassroots.
He explained that it was for this reason that he was respectfully urging Mr Agyapong to lower tensions and use his influence to support efforts aimed at healing and strengthening party unity, rather than deepening divisions.
Dr Acheampong further noted that like Mr Agyapong, he had contested in the January primary but did not emerge victorious.
He stated that he understood the disappointment and emotional investment that came with such contests, both for candidates and their supporters.
He emphasised that it was from this shared experience that he was making the appeal, stressing that no grievance, provocation or personal disagreement should take precedence over the party’s broader mission.
He warned that time spent on internal conflict only benefited political opponents.
The statement also expressed concern over recent comments made by Mr Agyapong, particularly his threat of action against the party and certain individuals.
Furthermore, Dr Acheampong acknowledged that some of the concerns raised by Mr Agyapong were valid, noting that during and after the contest, some individuals associated with the flagbearer and even his own campaign had made disrespectful and, at times, insulting remarks about Mr Agyapong.
He indicated that many party members had wished those individuals had been restrained earlier, and that party elders had acted more swiftly to address the situation.
However, he maintained that there was no evidence to suggest that the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, had commissioned, directed or endorsed those attacks.
He explained that the individuals involved were acting on their own long-standing personal grievances with Mr Agyapong.
Moreover, Dr Acheampong cautioned that it would be unfair and counterproductive to attribute the actions of a few individuals to the entire party or its leadership.
He noted that heated political contests often led to the exchange of harsh words from different sides, and urged members to move beyond such incidents in the interest of unity.
Dr Acheampong reiterated that unity remained critical to the NPP’s chances of regaining power, and called on all members to work together towards that goal.
BY BERNARD BENGHAN
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