𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗣𝗣 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴

A few days ago, I hinted at my position regarding who should lead the NPP in the Sunyani East Constituency. Before arriving at this decision, I conducted an internal appraisal of several potential candidates. For reasons of privacy and to avoid unintended harm, I will refrain from mentioning names.

My assessment is grounded in first-hand engagement in Sunyani during my stay for my mother’s burial and funeral rites between 22nd August and 14th September 2025. During this period, I held solemn yet extensive conversations with a significant number of party delegates. More recently, I also had the opportunity to work with DMB Communications UK, where I was assigned to the Sunyani East Constituency.

This assignment enabled me to engage extensively with a substantial number of verified delegates through telephone interactions, allowing me to gauge opinions on the likely successor to Hon. Akwasi Ameyaw Kyeremeh.

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗱:

First, there was a strong call for a true-born and bred Sunyani indigene to lead the constituency. Many delegates referenced the ascension of Twumasi to the position of MCE as a game changer in the Sunyani political landscape, arguing that indigenous leadership presents a real opportunity for accelerated constituency development.

Second, delegates expressed a clear preference for youthful leadership — someone energetic and dynamic enough to match the vibrancy of the incumbent MP, Seid Mubarak. The prevailing view is that the youth strongly identify with him, and the party must respond strategically to this reality.

Third, delegates emphasised the need for a highly relatable candidate — one who is approachable, accessible, and closely connected to the grassroots without unnecessary protocol.

Additionally, many delegates highlighted the importance of global exposure and strong networks capable of attracting development opportunities for Sunyani. The consensus was that without a well-connected and development-oriented leader, the constituency risks stagnation.

Party unity also emerged as a dominant concern. Delegates stressed the need for a leader capable of uniting the rank and file, particularly by engaging members removed from the party register. Many remain disgruntled and disengaged from party activities. Delegates believe any serious aspirant must prioritise reconciliation, dialogue, and the forging of a peace pact to rebuild unity. Without this, collective efforts towards electoral victory would be undermined.

Delegates further acknowledged that Sunyani East has faced persistent internal challenges, culminating in its exclusion from the November 2023 flagbearer elections. They believe the next leader must deliberately work to reset the constituency and restore confidence at all levels of the party.

Furthermore, most delegates insisted that any potential candidate must align with the vision of the eventual flagbearer to promote unity and stability. During discussions, the names of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Hon. Kennedy Agyapong frequently emerged. However, delegates were clear that electing a parliamentary candidate who does not align with the flagbearer’s vision risks internal sabotage. Aspirants were therefore assessed based on their alignment with the confirmed flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

While longevity of service to the party, constituency roots, dynamism, defence of party ideals, tangible achievements, and a clear transformational vision were all considered, delegates were unanimous on one point — they want a candidate capable of driving development and changing the narrative that Sunyani is timid or resistant to progress. They strongly insisted that any candidate lacking the networks and capacity to leverage development opportunities should not be supported.

When asked whether an individual who previously contested as an independent candidate should be considered to lead the NPP in Sunyani East, the overwhelming majority rejected the idea. They viewed such a move as a betrayal of party loyalty and an affront to committed party members, arguing that leadership should not reward perceived disloyalty when capable and loyal members exist within the party.

Having assessed the strengths of several potential candidates within Sunyani, I now formally present 𝗗𝗿. 𝗞𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗶 𝗡𝘆𝗮𝗺𝗲-𝗕𝗮𝗮𝗳𝗶 — a Development Economist and PhD holder from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom — as a potential candidate who meets the criteria outlined above.

I wish to emphasise that I have already engaged Dr. Nyame-Baafi, shared my findings with him, and pledged my commitment and support. I have also expressed my readiness to work alongside him on policy and strategic direction in the coming days and to lead the advancement of his campaign across social media platforms.

Thank you.

𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙆𝙬𝙖𝙙𝙬𝙤 𝙊𝙨𝙚𝙞

(𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙄𝙣 𝙏𝙤𝙬𝙣)

𝙉𝙋𝙋 𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙝𝙖𝙢 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣

📧 𝙗𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙝@𝙜𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙡.