The New Patriotic Party (NPP) conducted its crucial presidential primaries on Saturday, January 31, 2026, to elect a flagbearer for the upcoming 2028 general elections. Over 211,000 delegates participated in the exercise across more than 300 polling centers nationwide, including all 275 constituencies. The election, marked by significant anticipation and tight security, aimed to shape the party’s future leadership and electoral strategy.

The voting process commenced with remarkable commitment from delegates, with some queuing as early as 11:00 PM on Friday, January 30, at locations like Dome Kwabenya Football Park, hours before official polls opened at 7:00 AM. This dedication was further exemplified by an 87-year-old woman in the Northern Region who, despite needing assistance, made her way to a voting center to cast her ballot, and an elderly male delegate in Ablekuma North who was assisted to vote directly from his taxi. Kwabena Abankwa-Yeboah, Vice Chairman of the NPP’s Presidential Election Committee, confirmed that voting concluded at 2:00 PM across all 333 polling stations, with collation and declaration of results mandated to occur only after this official time to ensure uniformity and transparency. The Ghana Police Service activated a massive security operation across all 16 regions, deploying thousands of personnel to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise, with rapid response teams strategically positioned. Joseph Osei Owusu, Chairman of the Presidential Elections Committee, expressed satisfaction with the transparent and well-secured voting process.

Five aspirants contested the flagbearer position: former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, businessman Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong. As early results began to trickle in, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia established a decisive lead. At the NPP headquarters polling center, Dr. Bawumia secured 308 votes (approximately 64%) to Kennedy Agyapong’s 160 votes. In the key Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Dr. Bawumia won by a 370-vote margin, polling 900 votes against Kennedy Agyapong’s 530, with former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo actively campaigning for Dr. Bawumia. Dr. Bawumia also emerged winner in Nhyiaeso, securing 379 votes, contrary to the expectations of MP Dr. Stephen Amoah who had anticipated a win for Kennedy Agyapong there. Provisional results from various constituencies like Klottey Korley, Nkawkaw, Bole Bamboi, Akim Swedru, Adansi Asokwa, Yabaga/Kubori, Effiduase Asokore, Sekondi, Techiman South/North, Kintampo North/South, Nkoranza North/South, Atebubu Amanten, Pru East/West, and Sene East/West consistently showed Dr. Bawumia in the lead. However, Dr. Bryan Acheampong scored a significant upset by winning the Volta Region with 5,234 votes, surpassing Dr. Bawumia’s 4,098 votes and Kennedy Agyapong’s 1,982.

Kwabena Agyei Agyepong conceded defeat early, congratulating Dr. Bawumia and emphasizing the need for party unity. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, initially expressing confidence in a transparent process and his ability to unite the party if he won, later urged his supporters to remain calm and accept the outcome despite disappointment. He acknowledged the setback, stating, “The worst has happened, but that’s not the end of the road,” and called for discipline, urging supporters not to deepen divisions. Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah expressed concern over Kennedy Agyapong’s underperformance compared to previous contests. Prophet Bernard Elbernard Nelson-Eshun publicly apologized for his failed prophecy that Kennedy Agyapong would win the primaries, admitting he was wrong.

Calls for unity resonated throughout the election period. Dominic Nitiwul, MP for Bimbilla, expressed strong confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s victory and appealed for party cohesion post-election. Dr. Ekua Amoakoh, Deputy Spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, highlighted the team’s confidence and focus on a smooth process. Joseph Osei Owusu reiterated that whoever wins, “it is the party that has won,” urging all aspirants and supporters to unite. Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu indicated that reconciliation efforts would begin immediately after the primaries to unite the party for the 2028 general election. Political scientist Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante emphasized the party’s need for a candidate who combines competence with popularity, has less political baggage, and can attract non-voters to win the 2028 elections. MP Jerry Ahmed Shaib confidently stated that any NPP flagbearer, even the one with the fewest votes, would defeat the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2028, while Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin refuted claims of voter influence, stressing the importance of peace and transparency.

Despite some minor incidents, such as delegates in Asylum Down accusing a coordinator of withholding transport funds, and a confrontation involving disqualified delegates and a journalist at Korle Bu, the process was largely peaceful. The primaries saw active participation from over 211,000 delegates, with Greater Accra contributing the largest bloc (40,175), followed by Ashanti (36,626). Former Minister Hawa Koomson raised concerns about the disenfranchisement of about 15 delegates whose names were in the album but not at the head office.

As counting and collation continued across the country under tight security, Dr. Bawumia expressed gratitude to his campaign team, parliamentary supporters, and party executives for their collective effort, acknowledging that their support was “phenomenal.” The Electoral Commission is expected to officially declare the final results, confirming Dr. Bawumia as the NPP’s flagbearer.