Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, believes Kennedy Ohene Agyapong’s reputation as a no-nonsense, straight-talking politician could resonate strongly with Ghana’s youth as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for its January 2026 presidential primaries.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile on Saturday, August 30, 2025, Mr Braimah described the Assin Central legislator as a disciplinarian whose personality stands out in today’s political climate.
“I think he’s also seen as a non-nonsense person, a straight talker, he speaks his mind, and we’re at a point in this country where, especially among the youth, they feel we need discipline in society, we need somebody who can bulldoze his way through,” he said.
Comparisons and Wealth Debates
Mr Braimah noted that Agyapong’s traits mirror those used by some right-wing leaders globally, such as former U.S. President Donald Trump, to rise in politics.
On questions about his wealth, he said while debates exist on how Agyapong made his money, no concrete corruption allegations have been proven. “There are question marks about how he made his money and all that, but he doesn’t have that baggage,” he explained.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The MFWA boss highlighted Agyapong’s long political career, pointing out that the 65-year-old has served 24 years in Parliament, chaired committees, and acted as Ranking Member on several occasions.
“One positive thing for Kennedy Agyapong is that he has the name recognition. Any politically active person would have heard about him,” Mr Braimah added.
However, he warned that Agyapong’s “reckless talk” and confrontational style in the past could hurt his campaign, stressing that his temperament and emotional intelligence remain under scrutiny. Still, he acknowledged signs of improvement since Agyapong declared his presidential ambition.
The Race Ahead
Kennedy Agyapong is among five aspirants in the upcoming NPP primaries, alongside Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko. The elected flagbearer will lead the party into the 2028 general elections.
