A senior lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Amakye Boateng, has declared he will cast his vote for firebrand MP Kennedy Agyapong in the upcoming NPP flag‑bearer race, citing the lawmaker’s “ability to create jobs” as the decisive factor.
Speaking on the campus radio, Dr. Boateng said, “With all the economic difficulties Ghanaians are complaining about, I’m convinced that Kennedy Agyapong can actually deliver jobs for the country.” He added that while Vice‑President Mahamudu Bawumia has the party’s backing – 60 NPP MPs have already pledged support for him – the job‑creation track record of Agyapong, who finished second in the 2023 primaries with 37% of the vote, makes him the better choice.
The comment comes as the NPP gears up for its presidential primaries slated for early 2026. Bawumia, the incumbent vice‑president, leads the field, but Agyapong has been actively courting MMDCEs and party stalwarts, even offering lavish food at recent rallies. Some party members have already signaled a shift, with Agyapong recently pledging to back Bawumia, yet Dr. Boateng’s endorsement adds a fresh, academically‑anchored voice to the debate.
Why the job‑creation angle matters
– Economic hardship: Ghana’s inflation and unemployment rates remain high, prompting many voters to prioritize candidates who promise tangible employment opportunities.
– Agyapong’s track record: The Assin Central MP has long highlighted his business connections and infrastructure projects, which he argues can be scaled up nationally.
Dr. Boateng’s stance could resonate with young voters and those in the university community who are looking for a candidate who blends political fire with economic activism. As the primaries draw nearer, the NPP will be watching closely to see whether such endorsements sway the party’s rank‑and‑file.
The race remains tight, with Bawumia still the frontrunner, but Agyapong’s growing support base – and now a voice from KNUST – suggests the contest is far from settled.