The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, says Kennedy Ohene Agyapong’s reputation as a no-nonsense and straight-talking politician could resonate with a section of the Ghanaian electorate, particularly young people, as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its presidential primaries in January 2026.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile on Saturday, August 30, 2025, Mr. Braimah noted that Agyapong’s personality as a disciplinarian stands out in the current political climate.
“I think he’s also seen as a no-nonsense person, a straight talker, he speaks his mind, and we’re at a point in this country where, especially among the youth, they feel we need discipline in society, we need somebody who can bulldoze his way through,” he stated.
According to him, such traits have been leveraged by other right-wing leaders globally, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, to propel themselves to political prominence.
On questions surrounding Agyapong’s wealth, Mr. Braimah observed that while debates remain over how the Assin Central legislator made his fortune, no concrete allegations of corruption have been leveled against him.
“People talk about where he made his money, but I don’t think anyone has said Ken is corrupt, he did this or he did that. There are question marks about how he made his money and all that, but he doesn’t have that baggage,” he explained.
The MFWA Director further highlighted that the 65-year-old politician enters the race with 24 years of parliamentary experience, during which he chaired and served on several committees.
“One positive thing for Kennedy Agyapong is that he has the name recognition. Any politically active person would have heard about him,” Mr. Braimah added.
However, he cautioned that Mr. Agyapong’s history of what he described as “reckless talk” could pose challenges to his campaign, stressing that “his past behaviours… will continue to haunt him.” He cited instances of insults and confrontations that raised concerns about the legislator’s temperament and emotional intelligence, though he noted some improvement since Agyapong declared his presidential ambition.
Kennedy Agyapong is one of five contenders in the upcoming NPP presidential primaries, alongside Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko.
The winner will lead the party into the 2028 general elections.
Source: MyJoyOnline
