Former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has warned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to gamble with their future by choosing a new presidential candidate in upcoming elections.
Speaking on Metro TV on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Atta Akyea made it clear that any candidate other than Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would be a political lottery that the party should avoid.
Reflecting on the NPP’s recent election loss, Atta Akyea stated that the personality of Dr. Bawumia was not a factor in the defeat. Instead, the party’s internal assessments pointed to voter fatigue after eight years in power as the main reason for the loss. Despite the challenges of a difficult political environment, Bawumia’s leadership managed to secure 41 percent of the vote, a result Atta Akyea described as an impressive feat under the circumstances.
“It was a tough situation, and yet Dr. Bawumia’s appeal helped the party secure 41 percent of the vote,” Atta Akyea noted. “The common-sense approach here is to build on this momentum and put him forward again in 2026.” His statement underscores a belief that Bawumia has already established himself as a strong, credible figure with national appeal, making him a strategic choice for the party moving forward.
Atta Akyea also emphasized historical trends in Ghana’s political landscape, pointing out that first-time presidential candidates often struggle in their initial attempts. He believes that rather than starting from scratch, the NPP should focus on lifting Dr. Bawumia to new heights, with the goal of securing an additional nine percent of the vote to cross the critical 50-plus-one mark necessary for victory. “This is not about experimenting with a fresh face; it’s about building on what we already have,” he asserted.
According to Atta Akyea, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will likely struggle to field a candidate who has the same national recognition and credibility as Dr. Bawumia. “Bawumia’s figures are already in his favor. The NDC can’t just pull anyone off the streets and expect to match his appeal,” he remarked, underscoring Bawumia’s advantage in the race.
Atta Akyea’s warnings are clear: should the NPP decide to replace Bawumia with a new candidate, they risk facing unnecessary challenges. “Starting afresh with new people means the NPP will be vulnerable to NDC propaganda, and that could prove disastrous for the party,” he cautioned.
