Chiefs of the Kukuom Traditional Council have expressed strong support for Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum’s bid to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP), praising his vision for STEM education in the region.
Speaking to Dr. Adutwum during a meeting with party delegates, the Kontihene of Kukuom, Nana Wereko Ampem, highlighted his track record in the Ahafo Region.
He also offered prayers for his success in the NPP flagbearer race and cautioned delegates against being influenced by money.
“We know what you can do, and your work [as Minister] is evident for people in Ahafoland to see…Our lands are ready for your ambitious vision to bring STEM education to Kukuom, and we know the good foundation you laid for Ahafo,” Ampem stated.
“And as you know we will observe Akwasidae tomorrow [Sunday]. Be assured that we will pray to God to support this vision. Delegates, please think for the future; don’t be swayed by money,” he stated.
Strong case
told party delegates that history is on his side as he makes his first bid to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He argues that Ghana’s political past shows first-time candidates can win the presidency.
Speaking to delegates at Duayaw Nkwanta in the Tano North constituency as part of his campaign tour of the Ahafo Region, the former education minister cited former leaders Dr. K.A. Busia and Dr. Hilla Limann as examples of political figures who triumphed on their first attempt.
“People say you have to make the first, second, and third attempt before you can become President. But Busia came just once and became Prime Minister. Hilla Limann also attempted once. And so, I am also making my first attempt to lead the NPP to reclaim power,” Dr. Adutwum said to applause from the crowd.
“Home region advantage”
He drew on the political strength of the Ashanti Region — the NPP’s traditional stronghold — as a key factor that could propel him to victory.
“Ashanti Region gave us President Kufuor. He won overwhelmingly with 80.5 percent. Even Victor Owusu, though he lost, took the election to a run-off at the time. It happens elsewhere around the world — it is home region advantage,” he told delegates.
“With your support, I will lead the NPP to get the 50% plus one vote to bring our party back to power,” he added.
Industrial vision
Dr Adutwum further pledged to transform the Ahafo Region into a hub for tourism and smart cities if elected president, promising major infrastructure and skills development reforms.
He says his vision is to make Ahafo “a testament of what is possible under my presidency.”
“I want to see a transformed Ahafo where tourism thrives, where we have smart cities. I want to see Ahafo rival other nations across the world. I want big things happening here,” he told the delegates.
Dr. Adutwum, who currently serves as MP for Bosomtwe criticized mining companies operating in the region for failing to employ locals, saying the situation highlights the need for stronger investment in technical and engineering education.
“It is worrying that mining firms here don’t even employ your natives. I even doubt we can produce engineers for them upon their request. I have done that in my constituency and we will change that in Ahafo,” he said.
Regional Chairman
The Hope Tour is part of Dr. Adutwum’s nationwide engagement with party delegates as he seeks to lead the opposition NPP into the 2028 general election.
The Ahafo Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Kwabena Owusu Sekyere has urged all flagbearer aspirants to focus their campaigns on ideas and development-oriented policies rather than resorting to insults and personal attacks.
“This is the time to stay united as a political party and choose a candidate who will reclaim power in 2028. Current happenings within the party could weaponise the NDC to campaign against us and if that happens we [the NPP] risk staying in opposition until 2036.
“So I urge the candidates to emulate Dr Yaw Adutwum who has shown maturity in all his campaigns”, he said.