NPP doesn’t reward failure – Ken Agyapong warns against second chance for Bawumia

Former Member of Parliament and former NPP presidential aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong says the party has never made it a practice to reward poor performance with a second shot—particularly in the selection of its presidential candidate.

Speaking at Mampong in the Ashanti Region during a visit to mourn the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Ken Agyapong told a gathering of party loyalists that the NPP’s electoral history proves ‘performance is non-negotiable.’

“The NPP doesn’t give second chances to candidates who fail to deliver. We didn’t do it for Adu Boahen, and we shouldn’t do it now,” Ken Agyapong declared, taking an indirect jab at former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who led the party in the 2024 general elections but lost to the NDC.

According to the former Assin Central MP, party tradition shows that second chances are earned through electoral performance—not handed out based on sentiment or incumbency.

“Even President Kufuor had to impress in 1996 before being given another shot in 2000. Nana Addo also proved himself before his eventual win,” he said.

Citing the example of the late Prof. Adu Boahen—NPP’s 1992 flagbearer—Agyapong noted that despite his contributions to Ghana’s democratic struggle, the party chose to move on after his defeat. “That tells you the NPP rewards performance, not sympathy,” he said.

Ken Agyapong’s comments come at a time of renewed internal reflection within the NPP, as the party regroups following its defeat in the 2024 elections. His remarks are expected to reignite debate over the direction of the party and the performance of its current leadership.

The former lawmaker maintained that loyalty to the NPP must be measured by results and accountability—not blind support.

John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged victorious in the December 7, 2024, general election.

Mahama secured 6,591,790 votes, representing 56.42% of valid ballots cast. His closest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnered 4,877,611 votes, amounting to 41.75%.

Mahama’s victory also marked a significant achievement for his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which won a majority in the Parliament.