Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, shared a light-hearted moment during the final funeral rites of the late Mamponghene and Krontihene of Asanteman, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II.
In a viral video circulating on X, Dr. Bawumia is heard jokingly telling Dr. Acheampong, “You want to worry me,” a comment that has been widely interpreted as a playful nod to a potentially competitive internal race for the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s 2028 flagbearer position.
Dr. Bawumia, who led the NPP into the 2024 presidential elections, is expected to seek the party’s nomination again, despite his defeat to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dr. Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi, has also hinted at his intentions to contest the flagbearer slot, setting the stage for what could be a heated race. Other prominent names rumored to be eyeing the position include former MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong—who previously challenged Bawumia in the 2023 primaries—and the current Minister of Education and MP for Bosomtwe, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.
During a separate interaction at Mampong, Kennedy Agyapong used the occasion to critique the idea of giving second chances to failed presidential candidates. While paying respects to the late Mamponghene, he addressed a gathering of party supporters:
“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.”
The remarks, seen by many as a thinly veiled swipe at Dr. Bawumia, underscore growing tensions and divergent views within the party as it prepares for its next leadership battle.
Credit: William Narh
