Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, has outlined the strengths and weaknesses of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its presidential primaries in January 2026.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile programme on Saturday, August 30, 2025, Mr Braimah said the former Assin Central legislator, who is 65 years old, comes into the race with 24 years of parliamentary experience, during which he chaired several committees and served as Ranking Member on others.
“One positive thing for Kennedy Agyapong is that he has the name recognition. Any politically active person would have heard about him,” Mr Braimah said.
He added that Mr Agyapong is recognised for making significant contributions to the NPP, particularly in financial and campaign support. “People say that he over flaunts his contributions to the party, but there was a time people will tell you that without Ken’s support the party is going to suffer.”
Mr Braimah also described Mr Agyapong as a “non-nonsense person” and a “straight talker,” qualities he said resonate with many young people who feel there is a need for discipline in society. He observed that Mr Agyapong is often compared to right-wing leaders in other countries who projected a similar style of leadership to gain political advantage.
On Mr Agyapong’s business background, Mr Braimah noted that questions remain about how he made his wealth, but said there have not been corruption allegations against him. He added that Mr Agyapong is seen as self-made, citing his own claims of employing 9,000 people.
“He has a strong point when he says ‘I have employed 9,000 people as an individual, and so when I say I will create jobs, I mean it because I know how to do it,’” Mr Braimah stated. He further noted that the former MP’s media group could also serve as an advantage in a competitive campaign.
On the other hand, Mr Braimah said Mr Agyapong’s history of what he called “reckless talk” could affect his campaign, stressing that “his past behaviours… will continue to haunt him.” He added that the legislator had engaged in insults and confrontations that raised questions about his temperament and emotional intelligence. However, he observed that Mr Agyapong had shown some improvement since declaring his presidential ambition.
Mr Braimah also said Mr Agyapong’s political influence in the Central Region had declined compared to previous years and noted that he currently lacks support from many high-profile figures in the NPP. “At this stage I only know of Sticka (Stephen Amoah, MP for Nhyiaeso) and Kwaku Kwarteng (MP for Obuasi West), so he also doesn’t have that much of big names backing him,” he remarked.
The NPP presidential primary, scheduled for January 31, 2026, has five confirmed aspirants: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President; Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Assin Central MP; Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Education Minister; Dr Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi; and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, former General Secretary of the party.
