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Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a businessman and unsuccessful New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, has vowed to no longer allow himself to be taken for granted or disrespected following the party’s presidential primary, which was won convincingly by former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
In an interview with broadcaster Kwaku Sintim-Misa (KSM), Mr. Agyapong expressed his disappointment and hurt, stating that the experience has fundamentally changed his outlook on politics and relationships within the party.
“I will not allow myself to be used by anybody again. I need respect. I will be 64 years this year, and I will not allow anybody to treat me with disrespect,” he said.
Despite speculation that he might consider an independent presidential bid, Mr. Agyapong ruled out that option, stressing his continued loyalty to the NPP. “I am not going independent,” he said, explaining that when he entered the contest, he knew it was a 50-50 chance.
However, Mr. Agyapong admitted that the outcome of the primary had left him deeply disappointed, particularly with the conduct of some party members he had supported politically over the years. He cited disparaging remarks made against him by individuals he had helped to rise within the party as a major concern.
“I’m not bitter because Vice President won,” he said, adding that he was bitter because some of the very people he supported to become Members of Parliament and ministers went beyond not voting for him to making derogatory statements about him. Mr. Agyapong emphasized that personal attacks from beneficiaries of his support were difficult to forgive.
“If you did not vote for me, that is your choice. I have no problem with that. But the insults from people I helped — that is where my problem is,” he stressed.
He rejected suggestions that he should simply move on as though nothing had happened, insisting that honesty was more important than political convenience.
“I will not pretend. I will make it clear that I did not appreciate what was done to me,” he said.
The former Assin Central MP’s remarks suggest a deep-seated rift within the NPP, with potential implications for the party’s unity and future electoral prospects.
