Bryan Acheampong: Ready to rebuild NPP, lead with purpose

A flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Bryan Acheampong, has proposed a balanced approach to addressing illegal mining in the country. 

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic on a wide range of issues confronting the nation, he stressed the need for strict enforcement of laws to protect the environment, coupled with alternative livelihood programmes for those engaged in illegal mining.

Dr Acheampong further proposed a 90-day freeze on mining activities to allow for a comprehensive review and reset of the sector.

“Recently, I proposed a 90-day freeze on mining for us to reset. This will give us the opportunity to reassess our approach and put in place measures to ensure that our mining activities are sustainable and beneficial to our country,” he said.

The former Minister of Food and Agriculture also emphasised the importance of investing in community mining schemes that were regulated, safe and beneficial to local economies.

That, he said, would not only create jobs but also ensure that local communities benefit from the country’s natural resources.

Dr Acheampong, who is vying to lead the NPP as its flag bearer in 2028, said the proposals were part of his broader vision for the country's development, focusing on sustainable economic growth, job creation and environmental protection.

Vision

The former Minister of State for National Security and at the Ministry for the Interior outlined a comprehensive plan to address the country's socio-economic challenges, with emphasis on food security, industrialisation, and job creation.

The serving Member of Parliament for Abetifi also stressed the need to focus on expanding agro-processing, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and investing in renewable energy to drive sustainable growth.

Dr Acheampong highlighted the importance of infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas, to unlock opportunities and promote economic growth.

He also stressed the need for policies that are people-centred and inclusive.

Governance

Asked whether the NPP government performed to perfection, Dr Acheampong acknowledged that the party's immediate past government could have done better in implementing policies and communicating with Ghanaians.

“With hindsight, some policies could have been implemented with greater speed and inclusivity,” he said.

The Abetifi lawmaker also acknowledged that communication with the party’s grassroots could have been stronger, and the government could have better managed the expectations of Ghanaians.

He, however, emphasised that those lessons were valuable and would guide the party's future governance. 

NDC government

Dr Acheampong also expressed concerns about the current government's performance, saying he had not seen a tangible shift in the way things were done.

He chose not to rate the government's performance after one year in office, but instead focused on building on achievements and correcting weaknesses to move the nation forward.

“Every government faces challenges and opportunities.

While some small progress has been made in certain areas, there are lessons to be learned.

My focus is not on ratings, but on building on achievements and correcting weaknesses to ensure Ghana moves forward,” he said.

Corruption

Dr Acheampong promised to tackle corruption head-on by strengthening institutions, empowering anti-corruption agencies and ensuring accountability, which he said would be firm and non-selective.

He said transparency, digitalisation of government services, and strict enforcement of the law would be central to his strategies to fight corruption.

Dr Acheampong, known for his tough stance on issues, warned that he was a disciplinarian and would not hesitate to take action against those involved in corruption.

"And when necessary, I will crack the whip. People who know me know I am a disciplinarian, and discipline will sit at the heart of our fight against corruption," he said.

Lead with purpose

Dr Acheampong said he was not only ready to steer the party to victory in 2028 but would rebuild it, restore confidence and lead with purpose.

“On January 31, I ask delegates to choose a leader who will not only win elections, but rebuild the party, restore confidence and lead with purpose,” the Abetifi lawmaker added.

“I am offering myself to lead with discipline, renewal and unity.

I have the experience, the vision and the organisational strength to prepare the NPP for victory in 2028,” he said.

“Ultimately, I am ready not just to lead a party, but to lead a nation with discipline, courage, and a clear sense of direction,” he stated.

In exactly 12 days from today, delegates of the NPP will head to the polls to elect a flag bearer for the 2028 elections.

On the ballots are five candidates contesting for the position on January 31.

They are former MP for Assin Central and businessman, Kennedy Agyapong, MP for Abetifi, Dr Bryan Acheampong, also a businessman; the 2024 flag bearer and former Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and a former General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, who is also an engineer.

Over 200,000 delegates will vote in the election at designated polling centres across the country.