'The worst has happened, but life goes on' – Kennedy Agyapong concedes; urges supporters to eat, drink, and await God’s time
Veteran politician and businessman Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has accepted defeat in the fiercely contested New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary, calling on his dejected supporters to remain calm, keep faith alive, and rally behind the party for future battles.
In an address delivered to members of his campaign team—particularly the dedicated “Team Ken”—shortly after provisional results began indicating a strong lead for former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Mr. Agyapong thanked his backers for their hard work and urged them not to allow disappointment to turn into bitterness or division.
“I know most of you are dejected. You have to keep your spirit up, because once we have life, we have everything. So don’t be dejected,” he said, drawing from his experience as a “veteran politician” who has endured several defeats in the past.
Former Minister of Food and Agriculture and MP for Abetifi, Dr Bryan Acheampong; former Minister of Education and MP for Bosomtwe, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong were the other candidates in today’s primary.
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Mr. Agyapong, who mounted a robust campaign emphasising grassroots appeal, economic nationalism, and anti-corruption rhetoric, acknowledged the unpredictable nature of politics. “In politics, you can win, you can lose… I cushioned myself and expected the worst, and the worst has happened, but the worst doesn’t mean that is the end of life,” he stated.
He particularly singled out appreciation for his campaign coordinator, praising the “wonderful work” done by the team. “At an appropriate time, we’ll meet and dine together,” he added.
Central to his message was a strong plea for party unity and discipline. Mr. Agyapong warned against any actions that could sow discord within the NPP. “I’m pleading with all of you not to do anything. We have to stay calm. We believe in the party. The delegates have spoken. We have to take it,” he emphasized.
“Do not use this against anybody in the party… Let’s all come together as party members and work together,” he continued, stressing that the party has “three years to go” ahead of the 2028 general elections. “Who knows what will happen tomorrow?”
Infusing his remarks with faith, Agyapong reminded supporters that “God will take care of you. He knows today was going to come… God that created us knew today will definitely come to pass.” He referenced the party’s experiences in 2023 to underscore resilience.
In a lighter moment, he encouraged supporters to enjoy the refreshments available: “There’s a lot of food. Go in there. Eat. We have champagne, wine, beer. Eat what you can eat, and let’s see what tomorrow has for us.”
The address comes as partial results from across the country show Dr. Bawumia commanding a significant lead in many constituencies, including strong performances in Bono East, Upper East, and Greater Accra regions, while Mr. Agyapong secured impressive tallies in his home base of Assin Central (where he reportedly garnered over 495 votes) and scattered wins in other areas.
The Electoral Commission is expected to make a final declaration in the coming hours.
