Bryan Acheampong's strategist urges NPP to remember 1996 lessons as 2028 flagbearer race heats up

Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, a key strategist in the Bryan Acheampong 2028 presidential campaign

Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, a key strategist in the Bryan Acheampong 2028 presidential campaign, has cautioned members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against assuming that popularity alone will determine the party’s next flagbearer.

Drawing parallels with the 1996 NPP primaries, Dr. Opoku reminded party faithful of how widely celebrated academic and politician Prof. Albert Adu Boahen—then seen as the frontrunner—was unexpectedly defeated by John Agyekum Kufuor, who would later become one of Ghana’s most celebrated presidents.

“The spirit of the Elephant,” he said, invoking the party’s symbol, “is always alert to the prevailing realities on the ground. It often moves in the direction of what is best for the party and the nation, even when popular expectations suggest otherwise.”

His remarks, framed as a historical lesson, suggest that delegates should be guided by experience and strategic foresight, not just emotional support or public noise.

Dr. Opoku’s intervention comes as behind-the-scenes lobbying for the NPP’s 2028 presidential ticket gains momentum. With several party bigwigs eyeing the race to succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the internal contest is expected to be fiercely competitive.

He emphasised that internal party elections are often shaped by nuanced factors and grassroots sentiment, which can diverge sharply from the headline-making narratives pushed by campaign surrogates.

“The lesson from 1996 is clear,” he said. “In the NPP, it is not always the loudest name that wins. It is the one who resonates with the core values and long-term vision of the party.”

Dr. Opoku concluded by expressing full confidence in Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s candidacy, describing him as a leader attuned to the realities of the moment and capable of propelling the party into the future.

As the 2028 race unfolds, his message is a strategic reminder that within the NPP, the outcome is never a foregone conclusion—and the final decision often comes down to more than just popularity.