Here’s a bold claim: the New Patriotic Party (NPP) may have inadvertently—or perhaps intentionally—handed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the keys to its flagbearer position long before the actual vote. But here’s where it gets controversial... According to Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), this wasn’t a coincidence but the result of a meticulously crafted strategy by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Speaking on TV3’s Key Points on January 3, 2026, Tameklo argued that Akufo-Addo began laying the groundwork for Bawumia’s rise as early as 2023, strategically positioning him as the party’s preferred successor.
Tameklo described Akufo-Addo as ‘crafty,’ emphasizing how he built a robust political and organizational infrastructure tailored to favor Bawumia. And this is the part most people miss: the decision to hold the flagbearer elections before other internal party polls effectively sealed the deal for Bawumia, who already enjoyed the backing of the party’s power structures. Tameklo stated, ‘The moment they agreed to prioritize the flagbearer elections, they handed the victory to Bawumia.’
To put this in perspective, imagine a race where one runner gets a head start and the track is designed to favor their stride—that’s essentially what Tameklo claims happened here. Bawumia’s current lead in the NPP flagbearer race, with 56% support according to a recent poll, seems to validate this argument. But is this a fair assessment, or is it an overstatement of Akufo-Addo’s influence? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Does strategic planning cross the line into manipulation, and if so, where do we draw that line in politics?
The NPP is set to elect its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections on January 31, 2026, as it gears up to reclaim power after the 2024 loss. Meanwhile, as this internal party drama unfolds, President John Dramani Mahama’s 2026 New Year Message offers a contrasting perspective on Ghana’s future. What’s your take? Do you agree with Tameklo’s analysis, or do you see Bawumia’s rise as a natural progression within the party? Let’s spark a discussion in the comments—your voice matters!
