Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s emphatic victory in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries is strongly anchored in his commanding performance in the Ashanti Region, long regarded as the party’s electoral stronghold and strategic centre of influence.

Out of the region’s 47 constituencies – the highest for any region in the country – Dr Bawumia swept an overwhelming 45, underscoring the decisive role Ashanti played in shaping the outcome of the contest.

The former Vice President lost in only two constituencies: Bosomtwe, represented by Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Ahafo Ano South West, which went to Dr Bryan Acheampong.

Analysts say the significance of Dr Bawumia’s dominance in Ashanti cannot be overstated.

With one of the highest concentrations of delegates and constituencies, the region was widely considered the key battleground capable of determining the eventual flagbearer.

This importance was amplified by the fact that the two leading contenders – Dr Bawumia and Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong – are not natives of the Ashanti region, making the contest there a crucial test of national appeal, party cohesion, and grassroots confidence.

By clinching 45 constituencies in Ashanti, Dr Bawumia neutralised his closest competitors and secured an almost unassailable path to victory.

The landslide sent a clear signal of broad-based endorsement from party delegates, reinforcing his standing as the consensus choice.

Nationally, Dr Bawumia garnered 110,643 votes, representing 56.43 per cent of valid ballots cast, to become the NPP’s newly elected flagbearer.

His triumph reflects not only strong institutional and grassroots backing but also the success of a campaign that championed continuity and experience in governance.

As the NPP shifts focus to the upcoming general elections, the Ashanti Region’s decisive endorsement of Dr Bawumia reaffirms its long-standing influence within the party and its reputation as the ultimate kingmaker in internal contests.

The outcome of the primaries has again demonstrated that any serious contender for the NPP’s presidential ticket must secure a convincing win in Ashanti — and Dr Bawumia achieved this with authority.