Kennedy Agyapong’s “No-Nonsense” image could appeal to young voters – Sulemana Braimah

Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, has observed that Kennedy Ohene Agyapong’s reputation as a no-nonsense and straight-talking politician could resonate with a section of the Ghanaian electorate, particularly young people, as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its presidential primaries in January 2026.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile on Saturday, August 30, 2025, Mr Braimah noted that Agyapong’s personality as a disciplinarian stands out in the current political climate.

“I think he’s also seen as a non-nonsense person, a straight talker, he speaks his mind, and we’re at a point in this country where, especially among the youth, they feel we need discipline in society, we need somebody who can bulldoze his way through,” he stated.

According to Mr Braimah, such traits have been used by other right-wing leaders globally, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, to propel themselves to political prominence.

On questions surrounding Agyapong’s wealth, Mr Braimah remarked that while there may be debates over how the Assin Central legislator made his money, no concrete allegations of corruption have been leveled against him.

“People talk about where he made his money, but I don’t think anyone has said Ken is corrupt, he did this or he did that. There are question marks about how he made his money and all that, but he doesn’t have that baggage,” he explained.

Mr Braimah also said the former Assin Central legislator, who is 65 years old, comes into the race with 24 years of parliamentary experience, during which he chaired a number of committees and served as Ranking Member on others.

“One positive thing for Kennedy Agyapong is that he has the name recognition. Any politically active person would have heard about him,” Mr Braimah said.

On the other hand, Mr Braimah said Mr Agyapong’s history of what he called “reckless talk” could affect his campaign, stressing that “his past behaviours… will continue to haunt him.” He added that the legislator had engaged in insults and confrontations that raised questions about his temperament and emotional intelligence. However, he observed that Mr Agyapong had shown some improvement since declaring his presidential ambition.

Kennedy Agyapong is one of five contenders in the upcoming NPP presidential primaries, alongside Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko. The elected flagbearer will lead the party into the 2028 general elections.

MyJoyOnline