BY Daniel Bampoe
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, once fierce rivals in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries, have united to lead the party’s National Thank You Tour, delivering messages of reconciliation, gratitude, and renewed hope for the future.
On Saturday, the NPP officially began its nationwide tour at Takoradi Technical University, seeking to reconnect with its grassroots following its 2024 electoral debacle.
Addressing a gathering of constituency executives, campaign members, and supporters, both Dr Bawumia and Agyapong emphasized unity as the foundation for the party’s resurgence ahead of the 2028 elections.
Speaking first, Kennedy Agyapong, who placed second in the NPP’s 2023 presidential primaries behind Dr. Bawumia, set the tone with a heartfelt call for reconciliation.
“A house that is divided against itself cannot stand,” he declared, quoting the Bible from Mark 3:25 and Matthew 11:17-18.
Kennedy Agyapong stressed that internal divisions and unresolved grievances contributed significantly to the NPP’s disappointing showing in 2024.
In a bold proposal, he called on the party’s leadership to offer amnesty to all suspended or aggrieved members — explicitly naming former National Chairman Paul Afoko and former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen.
“I call for amnesty to be granted to Paul Afoko, Alan Kyerematen, and every other suspended member of our party,” he urged.
Kennedy Agyapong’s comments reflected a rare tone of humility and statesmanship.
He apologized to those hurt by the party’s past actions, saying,
“I apologize to anyone we may have offended. It’s time to put personal interests aside, mend fences, and rebuild our great party.”
He also emphasized the indispensable role of the grassroots in determining the NPP’s future, stating,
“It is the grassroots that holds the true power to determine the NPP’s success.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Bawumia echoed the call for unity, framing the NPP’s setbacks within a broader divine plan.
Reflecting on the 2024 election loss, Bawumia reminded the party faithful of the importance of resilience and faith.
“Everything is determined by God. You may want one thing but God can say otherwise,” Dr Bawumia said.
“So regardless of what happened in 2024, we have to give thanks to God. There is a time for everything.”
He acknowledged the party’s shortcomings and emphasized a need for strategic correction and solidarity:
“I have a lot of confidence that if we unite, we will make sure we win the 2028 election, because united we stand, divided we fall.”
Accompanied by National Chairman Stephen Ntim and General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia reassured supporters that lessons were being learned.
Kodua Frimpong confirmed that the party had begun implementing recommendations from the Mike Oquaye Committee, established to review the causes of the NPP’s 2024 defeat.
“We have listened to the concerns and we are taking concrete steps to address them,” Kodua assured.
The Thank You Tour will extend across all 16 regions, designed to heal divisions, fortify the party base, and lay the groundwork for a stronger comeback.
The moment carried added significance as it marked the first major public collaboration between Bawumia and Agyapong since their intense rivalry during the NPP’s 2023 presidential primaries.
Observers see their joint appearance as a symbol of the maturity and unity the party seeks to project heading into a critical rebuilding phase.
