Former Minister of Education and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, has dismissed claims that he is a political newcomer, highlighting that his involvement with the party spans several decades.
In an interview with Adom News, Dr. Adutwum stressed that his political journey did not begin under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration, but has been rooted in the NPP’s activities and vision since its early days.
“I am not a stranger in the NPP. Some people think I just appeared from nowhere to join Akufo-Addo’s government, but that is not the case,” he said.
Recalling his early political engagement, Dr. Adutwum said his activism began as a student leader at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he participated in movements advocating for democratic governance.
“I started as a student leader, part of a movement that championed the fight for civilian rule — a movement that made history,” he noted.
After completing his studies, Dr. Adutwum continued his political involvement in the United States, becoming a founding member of the NPP branch in California and eventually serving as Vice Chairman.
His dedication caught the attention of then-presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo, who invited him to contribute to key policy formulations, including the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, now a flagship initiative of the NPP government.
“When Nana Akufo-Addo invited me to share my ideas on education, I was honoured to help develop the vision that led to Free SHS. That opportunity opened the door for me to serve as Deputy Minister and later as Minister of Education,” Dr. Adutwum said.
He added that his experience in academia and governance equips him uniquely to lead the NPP into its next chapter of progress and transformation.
Dr. Adutwum’s comments come amid ongoing engagements with party members and delegates ahead of the NPP’s flagbearer selection, where he continues to advocate for unity, vision-driven leadership, and practical solutions to national development challenges.
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