A Senior Researcher at Kumasi Technical University (KTU), Prof. Smart Sarpong, has advised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its newly elected flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to maintain stability within the party and fast-track internal preparations ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Prof. Sarpong outlined what he described as three key strategic steps that could strengthen the party’s chances in the next polls.

“Get a running mate, and I propose that you do not change your running mate,” he said. “Number two, secure the 87 Members of Parliament. There will be no political reason why you should create unnecessary competition within those 87.”

He explained that keeping incumbent MPs united and avoiding internal disputes would help preserve the party’s parliamentary base and minimise distractions.

According to him, the third priority should be the early selection of parliamentary candidates in so-called “orphan constituencies” — seats where the party does not currently have sitting MPs.

“Do everything possible to get your orphan constituencies parliamentary candidates as soon as possible,” Prof. Sarpong said, stressing that the process should be completed by early 2027.

“Latest by… By February 2027, they should have finished all their internal process and elected PCs in those constituencies. You can’t be anywhere below some of these recommendations. You may not be politically strategic, in my view,” he added.

The National Council of the NPP on Thursday, July 4, 2024, unanimously approved the nomination of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the running mate to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 presidential election.

On Monday, July 1, 2024, Dr Bawumia formally informed the national officers of the NPP of his nomination of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as his running mate.

Prof. Sarpong’s comments come on the back of Dr Bawumia’s victory in the NPP’s presidential primaries held on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The former Vice-President emerged winner with 110,643 votes, securing a clear majority of the 195,901 valid votes cast, according to official results collated by the Electoral Commission.

Kennedy Ohene Agyapong placed second with 46,554 votes, followed by Dr Bryan Acheampong with 36,303 votes. Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum polled 1,999 votes to place fourth, while Kwabena Agyei Agyepong garnered 402 votes to finish fifth.

In all, 196,462 votes were cast, with 561 ballots rejected.