Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position, has responded to allegations made by former Member of Parliament for Suhum, Frederick Opare-Ansah. Opare-Ansah claimed that Agyapong demanded $500 million in annual contracts from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a condition to withdraw from the flagbearership race.
However, during an interview on Time FM on Sunday, October 29, 2023, Agyapong refuted the accusation and instead made his own claim that he was offered $800 million to step down from the race in favor of Dr. Bawumia.
Agyapong emphasized his commitment to Ghana and the delegates, stating that despite numerous people approaching him with offers, he has firmly declined. He questioned how it was possible for him to be offered $800 million when, in 2016, the party was unable to afford pickup trucks. Agyapong firmly declared his decision not to step down, prioritizing the interests of Ghana.
Opare-Ansah, who launched a media campaign against Agyapong, accused him of harboring resentment and contesting the flagbearership position to spite Dr. Bawumia, after the vice president rejected a precondition set by Agyapong to earn his support.
Agyapong reiterated that his decision to run for the presidency is driven solely by the public interest, and he remains steadfast in his pursuit. He refused to accept large sums of money that could potentially burden Ghana with economic hardships. Agyapong also mentioned that several elders urged him to step down and become vice president, but he highlighted concerns about grassroots support. He stated that if he were to become vice president and include individuals who have served in the current government, the grassroots supporters would not vote for him. Therefore, he concluded that it would be unwise to step down and risk the party’s chances of being in opposition.
The NPP is scheduled to elect a flagbearer on November 4, 2023, in preparation for the upcoming presidential election.
