The former Education Minister, speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on September 16, embraced the underdog tag but insisted it was an advantage in politics.

“Underdog is good, and I will always accept that I used to be an underdog, so I will always accept underdog. Underdog is always good in politics,” he said when asked by host Evans Mensah if he accepted that label.

Pressed on why it was good in the context of the primary, Dr Adutwum argued that being underestimated played in his favour.

“You are an underdog… You are underestimated… It’s good. I know the work I’m doing on the ground, so if you underestimate me, it’s good for me.”

He cited the August 29, 2025, Global Info Analytics survey, which placed Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at 42 per cent, Kennedy Agyapong at 36 per cent, and himself at 10 per cent.

But he dismissed suggestions that the numbers put him at a disadvantage.

“Well, 10% we just started. I just filed my nomination. They’ve been running around the country for how many years, campaigning? Bawumia has campaigned for 16 years plus and now, he’s a household name.

“He’s known everywhere; he was with former president Akufo-Addo all these years. So I’m even happy that I just started, and I’m 10%.”

Dr Adutwum said the race had only begun, and he was prepared to surprise his rivals.

“Now that the battle has begun and the wisdom has been blown, I’m going to let Ghanaians know that there will be a new dawn.

“A new day in this country, where all the things that we thought were not possible become possible because there’s a can-do spirit, a can-do attitude that says, I don’t take no for an answer when it comes to making sure that we really elevate this nation out of poverty to a place where we can be proud of this nation.”

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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Speaking in Adansi Asokwa on Wednesday during aspirant Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign, Mr. Hammond reminded party members that the NPP was founded on principles of sacrifice and selfless leadership, not displays of riches.

“While the party has been blessed with many, many rich men and women since its establishment in 1992, these individuals have traditionally supported the party quietly, without flaunting their resources or demanding leadership positions in return,” he said.

“In the early days, when things were very, very difficult, have you seen those of us who financed the party then talking about it? Leadership in NPP is based on a contest of ideas, a contest of visions for development. Let us get back to our values,” Hammond added.

Mr. Hammond’s remarks coincided with Dr. Bawumia’s three-day engagement with constituency executives in the Ashanti Region, during which he formally informed them of his plan to meet delegates at the polling station level to seek their support.

Hammond praised Bawumia’s approach, saying: “I am convinced the person who best fits this description is Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Let’s throw our support behind him and maintain him for 2028. He has the ideas and vision to deliver victory for the NPP.”

So far, five aspirants have filed nominations to contest the NPP flagbearer primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026.

They include former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, Abetifi MP Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Bosomtwe MP Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong.

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“But you see, whoever should be the president of this country, we are not looking at just the qualification, eligibility criteria for whoever should be our president,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu added.

The former Suame MP stressed that the focus must be on leadership qualities, not just the ability to contest.

“We are not just looking for a flagbearer,” he declared. “We are looking for a president or a presidential candidate.”

He referenced a key moment in the party’s political history, recalling the caution issued by party elder Kwame Pianim in 2007, when 17 aspirants vied to succeed then-President J.A. Kufuor.

“Pianim stepped in and made a profound statement that ‘NPP, you’re not looking for a flagbearer. People seem to think that we are looking for a flagbearer.

“As for the flagbearership, any idiot could become the flagbearer.’ But we are looking beyond the flagbearer, because you are looking for a presidential candidate who ultimately will become the president of this country,” he recalled.

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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According to the Bosmotwe Member of Parliament(MP), he will pick the form when nominations are opened by the party.

He made his intentions known in a national broadcast on Wednesday evening.

“I believe the confidence that was reposed in me and the support during my tenure as Education Minister will not wither. I believe delegates and Ghanaians will give me that same support to help me emerge victorious,” he said.

Delivering his address, he expressed his appreciation to former President Nana Akufo-Addo for the opportunity to serve the people of Ghana under his tenure.

The educationist revealed that if he is voted as President in the 2024 elections, he will become a transformational leader.

“I will continue the works of the predecessors to ensure we develop Ghana,” he added.

Here are results from all the 16 regions and the NPP National headquarters, which was also designated as a polling region.

Dr. Bawumia won 15 regions, with second placed Ken Agyapong winning two regions – the Central and Volta regions.