Dr. Bawumia’s Flagbearer Future in Question: Owusu Bempah Points to Electoral Defeat and Declining Support By Top Knowledge Media Published: June 12, 2025

Accra, Ghana – Prominent Ghanaian clergyman and political commentator, Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, has made headlines following his public assertion that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia should not be re-elected as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). His comments, delivered during a recent media engagement, underscore growing tensions within the NPP in the aftermath of its historic loss in the 2024 general elections.

“It will be a mistake for the NPP to field Dr. Bawumia again. His performance and the party’s poor showing under his leadership should be a wake-up call,” Rev. Owusu Bempah remarked.

A Historic Defeat

The NPP's loss in 2024 marked one of its worst electoral performances since the party’s inception. Despite being the incumbent Vice President, Dr. Bawumia failed to mobilize support in key constituencies—including his own Northern base. The NPP lost four out of five northern regions, and even saw a 24% decline in votes in the Ashanti Region, long considered its political stronghold.

Party analysts and grassroots supporters alike have pointed to poor campaign messaging, economic dissatisfaction, and a perceived disconnect between the leadership and ordinary Ghanaians as major factors behind the defeat.

Internal Dissent Grows

Rev. Owusu Bempah’s remarks echo sentiments already circulating among sections of the NPP’s base. Earlier this year, some party loyalists and traders in Kumasi openly opposed the idea of Dr. Bawumia leading the party again, expressing disappointment over what they described as a lack of political charisma and practical solutions to Ghana’s growing economic concerns.

The Reverend’s comments are seen by many as a reflection of this broader discontent—and a signal to party leadership that a leadership overhaul may be necessary ahead of the 2028 elections.

Looking Ahead: A Crossroads for the NPP

As the New Patriotic Party begins to regroup, questions around leadership, strategy, and vision have taken center stage. With the National Delegates Conference expected in 2026, party stakeholders are facing a pivotal decision: retain a familiar face or chart a new path with fresh leadership.

Political observers believe the outcome of that decision could either consolidate the NPP’s recovery—or prolong its stay in opposition.

Conclusion

Rev. Owusu Bempah’s intervention is more than a personal opinion—it taps into a larger internal debate within the NPP. As the party reckons with the consequences of its electoral defeat, one thing is clear: the road to 2028 begins with hard questions about accountability, leadership, and renewal.