Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister of Education and current Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, has said he deliberately prefers to be underestimated as part of his political strategy as he positions himself in the race for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership. 

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, January 17, the aspirant stressed that keeping a low profile allows him to engage meaningfully with party delegates without unnecessary public speculation.

According to Dr Adutwum, being perceived as an underdog gives him the space to work quietly while listening closely to the concerns and expectations of delegates across the country. 

He explained that this approach helps him avoid distractions and external pressure, enabling more honest and productive interactions with party stakeholders as the internal contest gathers momentum.

“I like to be an underdog. I like to be underestimated. So nobody gets to know what I’m doing,” he stated during the programme. 

He added that when he eventually engages directly with delegates, the conversations are grounded in shared priorities and mutual understanding, rather than preconceived narratives driven by public commentary.

Dr Adutwum, who played a key role in Ghana’s education reforms during his tenure as Education Minister, is one of several prominent figures seeking to lead the NPP into the next general election.