Bawumia sweeps 14 regions with wide gaps in NPP presidential primary
In a resounding display of dominance, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia was declared the outright winner of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary, clinching the party's flagbearership for the 2028 elections with a sweeping victory in 14 of the country’s 16 regions.
The Electoral Commission (EC) released the final certified results late Saturday night following the primary, confirming that Dr Bawumia secured 110,643 votes, equivalent to 56.48 per cent of the total valid ballots cast by over 196,000 delegates at 333 polling centres nationwide.
The performance marked a clean sweep in many regions, where the former Vice-President outperformed his rivals.
A total of 196,462 votes were cast, with 561 ballots rejected.
Statistics
From the regional breakdowns, Dr Bawumia triumphed in key strongholds such as Ashanti (where he polled nearly 20,000 votes), Greater Accra (around 19,800 votes), Eastern, Western, Western North and Bono East (with approximately 69 per cent in that region alone), Ahafo (a clean sweep across all constituencies), Northern and Upper East (over 60 per cent despite one minor loss in a single constituency), and several others.
Nana Akufo-Addo, former President, addressing the NPP
Only two regions — Volta, where Dr Bryan Acheampong emerged victorious, and Central, taken by businessman and former Member of Parliament (MP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong — escaped his sweep.
Kennedy Agyapong placed second with 46,554 votes, representing 23.76 per cent, followed by Dr Acheampong in third place with 36,303 votes, representing 18.53 per cent.
The MP for Bosomtwi and former Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, trailed with 1,999 votes, representing 1.02 per cent, with the remainder accounted for by Kwabena Agyei Agyepong and rejected ballots.
Victory speech
In his victory speech at the NPP headquarters, Dr Bawumia thanked delegates for their trust and called for immediate unity.
Samira Bawumia (2nd from right) congratulating her husband, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, flag bearer, NPP, after his victory speech• Samira Bawumia (2nd from right) congratulating her husband, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, flag bearer, NPP, after his victory speech
“This is not my victory alone; it is the victory of every committed NPP member who believes in our shared vision for Ghana," he said.
"We swept across the nation because our message resonated: progress, innovation, and inclusive leadership.
Now, we must heal, unite, and prepare to win in 2028. No one will be left behind," he added.
Party officials described the process as peaceful and transparent, with a high delegate turnout despite logistical challenges in some areas.
Dr Bawumia's campaign team, led by figures, including the Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, credited the outcome to relentless mobilisation and clear messaging on winnability and national appeal.
As the NPP consolidates behind its new flagbearer, attention shifts to reconciliation efforts and building momentum against the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the lead-up to 2028.
With such a commanding regional mandate, analysts see Dr Bawumia's win as a strong signal of party readiness for the national contest ahead.
The clean regional sweep in 14 zones underscores the depth of support for Dr Bawumia, positioning the NPP for what promises to be a competitive battle in the next general election.
Results declaration
The Deputy Director of Electoral Services of the EC, Samuel Dottoh Kwaah, announced the results on behalf of the EC and commended the Ghana Police Service for ensuring a secure and transparent election.
Dr Bryan Acheampong addressing the gathering at the NPP headquarters as the other contenders (from left) Ken Ohene Agyapong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong look on
Party officials and observers described the election as peaceful, free, fair and transparent in the history of the party's internal elections for a flagbearer.
The election was held under tight security, with delegates adhering to the party’s operational guidelines.
The voting process, conducted without biometric verification machines, went on smoothly and seamlessly.
EC chair
The Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, who spoke to journalists at the EC headquarters after the collation of the results, said the election was smooth and seamless.
She congratulated the EC staff across the country for an excellent job done, adding that it was an incident-free election.
This, Mrs Mensa said, affirmed the high level of professionalism exhibited by the staff of the commission.
Mrs Mensa said the party developed a set of guidelines for the election with inputs from the EC and the Ghana Police Service, which were strictly adhered to, resulting in the peaceful outcome of the election.
