‘Our defeat was a message’ – Ken Agyapong rallies delegates ahead of NPP primary

Presidential hopeful Kennedy Agyapong has urged delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to see the party’s 2024 election defeat as a wake-up call, insisting that the loss carried a clear message about the need for humility, discipline and reconnection with the grassroots.

In a message addressed to delegates on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Mr Agyapong said the setback was not accidental but a signal that the party must change its approach to leadership and internal engagement.

“Access to education and modernised governance, our record is unmatched, but in the last election we suffered a painful setback, and that defeat was not accidental,” he said. “It was a message. It was a message that we must reconnect with the grassroots. A message that discipline and humility must return to the leadership. A message that change is not optional.”

ALSO READ: All gov’t appointees eyeing party positions to resign 6 months ahead of internal polls – NDC

With the NPP presidential primaries scheduled for Saturday January 31, Mr Agyapong described the contest as a defining moment for the party’s future, calling on delegates to exercise their authority with a sense of urgency.

“It is urgent. This Saturday is not routine. It is a turning point, delegates,” he said. “You are the backbone of this party. Without you, there is no NPP, yet too often after elections, the grassroots feel forgotten, polling station executives feel neglected, constituency offices unsupported.”

He pledged that under his leadership, the welfare of party delegates would be treated as a central priority rather than an afterthought.

ALSO READ: Special Prosecutor warns against calls to scrap office, rejects claims of failure

“That must change, and I say it must change,” he added. “Under my leadership, delegates’ welfare will not be an afterthought. It will be a priority.”

Mr Agyapong outlined plans to introduce a structured and transparent welfare system for delegates, aimed at recognising loyalty and protecting long-term commitment to the party.

“I will establish a structured delegate welfare framework,” he said. “We will maintain a formal registry of active delegates to ensure recognition and inclusion. We will create transparent welfare support to assist delegates facing genuine hardships.”

ALSO READ: 'National Security must stay away' - Nana B warns ahead of NPP presidential primary

He stressed that access to support would not be influenced by political proximity or personal connections.

“Loyalty must be respected, sacrifice must be acknowledged, commitment must be protected,” Mr Agyapong stated. “Delegates’ welfare will not depend on proximity to power. It will be institutionalised, fair, structured and transparent.”

The former Assin Central MP is seeking to rally grassroots support as the NPP prepares to elect a flagbearer ahead of the next general elections.