Kennedy Ohene Agyapong is emerging as the frontrunner in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer race, securing 51.4% delegate support according to a Sanity Africa survey conducted between April and June 2025. The former Assin Central MP holds a clear lead over former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who trails at 42.2%.
Minor contenders Dr. Bryan Acheampong and Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum garnered 3.1% and 3.0%, respectively.
Sanity Africa describes the results as an early pulse-check on delegate intentions, with subsequent phases planned for October 2025 and January 2026.
Sanity Africa, which is conducting the research in three phases, described the current findings as a snapshot of early delegate sentiments. The next two phases of the study are scheduled for October 2025 and January 2026.
The report reveals that Ken Agyapong commands strong support across a broad spectrum of the NPP’s base—particularly among women (57.8%), youth under 40 (63%), students (58.9%), the unemployed (52.8%), and self-employed individuals including traders, market women, artisans, and farmers (55.5%).
He also leads in 10 of the 16 regions, with commanding margins in the Central (68.1%), Western (59.5%), and Eastern (60.8%) regions.
Conversely, Bawumia holds a slight edge among male delegates (48.9%) and maintains majority support among delegates aged 40 and above, as well as those in full-time employment (53.8%). He is the preferred choice among Muslim delegates, with 52.8% backing him based on religious affinity.
Religion, Age and Employment Driving Preferences
Religion emerged as a significant factor for many delegates. Among Christian delegates—who form a majority in the party—61.6% favoured Ken Agyapong. Interestingly, delegates who identified as atheists or traditionalists also leaned toward Ken Agyapong (55.1%), reinforcing his broad-based appeal.
The survey also highlighted a generational divide. While Bawumia leads among older delegates (40–55 years and 55+), Ken Agyapong enjoys overwhelming support among younger delegates and those outside the formal employment sector.
Tight Regional Contests
Bawumia leads in six regions, including the Upper West (61.5%), Northern (50.8%), and North East (51.6%) regions. However, Ken Agyapong’s stronger regional spread and grassroots traction appear to give him the edge at this stage of the race.
In swing regions like Savannah and Upper East, the race remains neck-and-neck.
Outlook
Sanity Africa cautioned that while these findings provide a valuable baseline, delegate sentiments could shift as the campaigns officially begin. The next survey phases will include new delegate categories such as former appointees and past party executives, who are expected to be added to the expanded voter album.
“The report offers a crucial starting point for tracking movements and understanding what drives delegate behaviour,” the group said, adding that future phases will help identify emerging coalitions that may define the NPP’s path to the 2028 general elections.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Prince Essien Ofori
