NPP Primaries: Kennedy briefly withholds signature at peace pact event

Kennedy Agyapong briefly delayed signing the NPP peace pact, creating a tense moment at the party’s primaries ceremony before later appending his signature.

The former Assin Central MP hesitated as documents were presented to the five presidential aspirants at the event held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on Thursday. While the other contenders signed without incident, Mr. Agyapong appeared displeased, gesturing with his pen and pausing instead of immediately appending his signature.

His hesitation quickly drew attention from party officials and members of the audience, with murmurs spreading across the hall as the atmosphere tightened.

Several senior figures were seen approaching him quietly, seeking to understand and address whatever concerns he had with the agreement.

The Chairman of the Presidential Elections Committee, Joseph Osei Wusu, personally engaged Kennedy Agyapong in an effort to calm nerves and clarify the issues surrounding the peace pact.

The interaction lasted a few minutes as the rest of the programme momentarily slowed.

During the impasse, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who was seated at the high table, was observed conferring with the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, behind the dais to ascertain what had caused the delay.

Observers noted that the former President appeared relaxed and was later seen smiling after the discussion.

Shortly afterward, Kennedy Agyapong and former President Akufo-Addo were spotted in a warm exchange, shaking hands and engaging in a hearty chat, signalling a de-escalation of tension in the hall.

Mr. Agyapong eventually signed the peace pact.

Speaking to reporters as he exited the venue, he said the matter had been settled.

“It has been resolved. The Chairman of the Elections Committee talked about it. I wanted to hear that,” he explained.

The peace pact was signed by five aspirants seeking to lead the New Patriotic Party into the 2028 general elections. They are former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; businessman and former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong; Abetifi MP, Dr. Bryan Acheampong; former Education Minister and Bosomtwe MP, Dr. Yaw Adutwum; and former NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyapong.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor was unable to attend the ceremony.

The pact commits all aspirants to conduct civil campaigns and to accept the outcome of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026.

Addressing the gathering, Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno urged delegates to act responsibly, stressing that tolerance and discipline during internal party elections were vital to Ghana’s democratic stability.

Party officials say the agreement is aimed at preventing post-primary rancour and preserving unity within the NPP.