Former Minister of Food and Agriculture and MP for Abetifi, Dr Bryan Acheampong, has declared himself the New Patriotic Party’s “best bet” to return the party to power in the 2028 elections. In an exclusive interview with AfricaWatch, he outlined a vision focused on rebuilding party unity, strengthening discipline, and driving bold national transformation.

Dr Acheampong argued that both Ghana and the NPP are at a critical turning point.

“My candidacy is built on three pillars: restore unity within and rebuild the party, re-establish institutional discipline, and deliver bold national transformation that creates jobs, raises incomes, and improves security,” he said.

He attributed the party’s recent electoral losses to internal fractures and weakened engagement with grassroots supporters. “When a party fragments and communication with ordinary voters weakens, credibility suffers. We must rebuild cohesion and respond directly to the economic concerns of households,” he noted.

Pointing to his ministerial achievements, he highlighted reforms at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture that he says improved farmer incomes and stabilised supply chains. As Minister, he cancelled the decades-long cocoa loan syndication and championed irrigation projects to boost production.

Dr Acheampong also underscored his private-sector credentials. He built Rock City Hotel, expected to become Africa’s largest hospitality complex, and founded companies in software, media, and investment.

“Private enterprise is not just business, but an extension of public service, a way to drive economic growth and expand opportunities,” he said.

Describing his leadership approach as a blend of “military discipline, private-sector execution, and public-sector governance,” he noted: “I set clear objectives, establish accountable teams, and measure outcomes. Ultimately, I lead for impact — and build systems that last, outcomes that improve lives, and standards that outlive individuals.”

He emphasised the need for the NPP to return to its foundational values, while balancing tradition with innovation. “I am not running as the youth candidate; I am running with the youth. Their aspirations, creativity, and courage must define the next chapter of our national story,” he said.

Dr Acheampong pledged to expand opportunities for young people in entrepreneurship and public service, stressing that Ghana’s future requires leadership that is both credible and contemporary.

With the NPP set to elect its presidential candidate in January 2026, he expressed confidence in his prospects. “My track record across government and the private sector, combined with a clear message of restoration and grassroots engagement, positions me strongly as the candidate who will deliver power for the NPP,” he said.

He concluded with a call to national purpose: “Ghana stands at a crossroads. We can choose short-term fixes or make the structural investments and ethical choices that produce long-term prosperity. I run to serve, not to presume entitlement.”