In the corridors of Ghana’s political theatre, few figures are as provocative, entrepreneurial and resilient as Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
A stalwart of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and veteran legislator, Agyapong’s journey from Assin Dompim in the Central Region to becoming a leading aspirant for the NPP’s 2028 presidential ticket has been shaped as much by his entrepreneurship as by his unfiltered public voice.
Roots, Education and Business Foundations
Born on June 16, 1960, Agyapong’s early life was anchored in the Central Region, where he attended Adisadel College before progressing to Fordham University in New York, USA.
His time abroad opened doors into business and laid the foundation for ventures that would later define his public persona.
Back in Ghana, Agyapong built a diversified business portfolio spanning media outlets, real estate, agriculture and retail.
His companies, including television and radio stations, agribusiness and the Hollywood Shopping Centre, have employed thousands, a fact he often cites as evidence of his ability to create jobs and spur economic activity.
Parliamentary Career: From Assin North to Assin Central
Agyapong entered formal politics in 2000, winning the parliamentary seat for Assin North on the NPP ticket. Following constituency re-demarcation, he continued his legislative career as Member of Parliament for Assin Central from 2013 to 2025, securing re-election multiple times as a powerful voice in Parliament.
During his tenure, he chaired the Defence and Interior Committee, and served on other key parliamentary committees, elevating his profile as a lawmaker unafraid of addressing sensitive national issues.
A Fiery Orator and Controversial Persona
Known for his direct, often confrontational political style, Agyapong has built a reputation as one of Ghana’s most outspoken politicians.
Critics have sometimes labeled his rhetoric as divisive, while supporters see it as honest and unvarnished political engagement.
His campaign team, however, maintains that the current state of the NPP demands a bold and fearless leader, and they believe Mr. Agyapong, whom they describe as a “raptor”, is the most suitable candidate to lead the party as flagbearer.
In recent months, he has signalled a shift in tone, from political firebrand to nation-builder, emphasizing collaboration and pragmatic solutions, while holding onto his core appeal as a champion of ordinary Ghanaians.
Presidential Ambitions: A Second Flagbearer Bid
Agyapong’s aspirations for Ghana’s highest office first gained national attention in the 2023 NPP primaries, where he placed a strong second with a significant share of delegate votes.
That campaign, driven by a focus on employment, anti-corruption and economic transformation, positioned him as a credible alternative to the party establishment.
As the 2026 NPP presidential primaries approach, he has relaunched his bid with renewed vigour, framing his leadership pitch around job creation, industrial growth and economic renewal.
He argues that leadership must go beyond electioneering handouts to deliver sustainable employment and dignity for Ghana’s youth.
Supporters within and outside the party point to his private-sector track record and broad appeal across generations as strengths in a party seeking renewed momentum after the 2024 general election loss.
Campaign allies have described him as a credible, independent candidate with a message that resonates widely.
Balancing Criticism and Support
Agyapong’s public life has not been without controversy, with observers debating whether his outspoken style energizes or polarizes public discourse.
Yet his emphasis on economic pragmatism, especially in tackling youth unemployment, aligns with pressing national concerns and shapes his appeal among delegates and potential voters.
Looking Ahead
As the NPP counts down to January 31, 2026, Kennedy Agyapong remains a central figure in the unfolding narrative of political renewal.
Whether his blend of business experience, bold messaging and grassroots reach will translate into flagbearer success is a question that will define the party’s trajectory toward the 2028 general elections.
In a political landscape hungry for both stability and transformation, Agyapong’s story, from entrepreneur to experienced legislator and presidential hopeful, underscores the complex interplay of rhetoric, leadership and ambition in modern Ghanaian politics.
