‘We Are Not Just Looking for a Flagbearer, We Want a Presidential Candidate’ – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu
Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has emphasized that the NPP must elect not just a flagbearer, but a true presidential candidate with the vision, competence, and national appeal to lead Ghana into the future.
The Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be guided by wisdom and foresight as they prepare to elect a new leader ahead of the 2028 elections. According to him, the party must go beyond electing a mere flagbearer and instead choose a presidential candidate who is ready to lead the country from day one.
Speaking at a regional delegates forum in the Ashanti Region, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stressed that the NPP’s future success hinges on its ability to present a candidate with credibility, competence, and widespread appeal — someone who can inspire hope not just within the party, but across the entire nation.
“We are not just looking for a flagbearer to hold the NPP flag. We are looking for a presidential candidate — someone who embodies leadership, understands governance, and can unite Ghanaians behind a common vision,” he stated.
His remarks appear to be a subtle but strategic call to NPP delegates to scrutinize the leadership qualities of prospective candidates beyond party loyalty or popularity within the party's base.
A Call for Substance Over Symbolism
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu cautioned against choosing a figurehead who may be politically convenient but lacks the gravitas and preparedness to lead a complex nation like Ghana.
“Our current economic and social challenges demand a president who is not learning on the job — we need a leader with clarity, policy depth, and courage,” he added.
The statement comes as the NPP begins to rebuild and regroup following its loss in the 2024 general elections. With discussions already heating up around potential successors and fresh faces within the party, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s message sets a tone of seriousness and strategic focus.
Reactions and Implications
Some political analysts have interpreted the Majority Leader’s comments as a veiled warning against selecting a candidate based solely on internal political clout or factional backing.
“This statement is clearly aimed at guiding the discourse early — he’s telling delegates not to gamble with the next election,” said political strategist Grace Adjei-Boateng.
Within the NPP, the call for unity and thoughtful leadership selection is gaining momentum as the party seeks to rebuild its image and present a formidable challenge in 2028.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu concluded his remarks by calling for a candidate who can rise above tribal, regional, and partisan divides — one whose vision aligns with the future Ghanaians are yearning for.
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