Kennedy Agyapong’s blunt approach to politics could strike a chord with Ghana’s younger voters as the New Patriotic Party prepares for its 2026 leadership contest, according to a leading media analyst.
Sulemana Braimah, who heads the Media Foundation for West Africa, believes the businessman-turned-politician’s reputation for speaking his mind appeals to citizens frustrated with conventional political discourse. Young Ghanaians particularly value his directness in a society they feel needs stronger leadership, Braimah suggested during a weekend television appearance.
“They feel we need discipline in society, we need somebody who can bulldoze his way through,” Braimah told Joy FM’s Newsfile program on Saturday. The media executive described Agyapong as someone who “speaks his mind” without the diplomatic filters typical of many politicians.
Questions about Agyapong’s business empire have surfaced repeatedly, but Braimah argues these haven’t damaged his political standing significantly. While critics wonder about the sources of his wealth, few accuse him of outright corruption, creating what the analyst calls a relatively clean slate compared to other political figures.
The Assin Central MP brings substantial name recognition to any potential campaign, Braimah noted. His high-profile media appearances and controversial statements have made him a household name across Ghana’s political landscape.
This visibility could prove crucial as the NPP searches for a candidate to challenge the ruling National Democratic Congress in 2028. Party delegates often gravitate toward familiar faces when selecting their standard bearer, particularly in competitive primaries where multiple candidates vie for attention.
Agyapong’s combative style has drawn both praise and criticism throughout his political career. Supporters see him as refreshingly honest in a system they view as overly cautious, while detractors worry about his temperament and tendency toward inflammatory rhetoric.
The 2026 NPP primaries represent a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to reclaim power after losing the 2024 general election. With President John Mahama constitutionally barred from seeking re-election, the opposition party faces an open contest against whoever emerges from the NDC’s own succession process.
