Kennedy Agyapong Vows Never to Concede Without Official Results

Kennedy Agyapong Declares: No Concession Without Official Election Results

Presidential hopeful and outspoken New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has stated that he will not accept defeat in any future election unless the Electoral Commission (EC) officially announces the final results.

Speaking during a campaign event in the Savannah Region, Agyapong said he would remain resolute, even in the face of early media projections or informal claims of victory by opponents. His comments are seen as a strong signal of his uncompromising stance as he prepares for the NPP’s upcoming presidential primaries, set for January 31, 2026.

“Until the last constituency is counted, if I am a presidential candidate, I will never accept defeat,” Agyapong said.
“I will only concede after the Electoral Commissioner declares the final results.”

Ghana’s democracy, often hailed as a model in West Africa, is built on peaceful transitions of power. Statements like Agyapong’s reflect growing tensions within the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2028 general elections, and underscore how internal party contests are increasingly mirroring the high stakes of national polls.

His firm stance also contrasts with recent events in Ghana’s electoral history and could influence how candidates approach results acceptance and public communication during contested votes.

Agyapong’s remarks come in sharp contrast to the approach taken by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s former flagbearer, who conceded defeat in the 2024 general elections hours after vote counting began. Dr. Bawumia’s decision was lauded by some for preserving national unity.

In that election, John Dramani Mahama was declared winner with 6.32 million votes, representing 56.55% of valid votes cast. Dr. Bawumia later explained that his concession, announced on December 8, 2024, stemmed from his deep commitment to Ghana’s peace and democratic principles.

By contrast, Agyapong emphasised that early declarations — whether from political operatives, media houses, or civil society, should not substitute official announcements.

Beyond his stance on concessions, Agyapong also urged fellow party members to stand firm during difficult moments and not retreat in the face of pressure or early speculation.

“We need bold men in this fight. It shouldn’t be that the moment something is said, you run away,” he told supporters.

The message is clearly aimed at galvanising the party’s base, especially as the NPP prepares for what is expected to be a highly competitive flagbearer race. Agyapong is seen as one of the leading contenders, alongside other notable figures within the party.

Ghana’s presidential primaries and general elections have, in the past, been characterised by close margins and intense competition, making the acceptance or rejection of results a sensitive matter. The EC’s integrity and neutrality are often scrutinised in the process.

Political analysts believe that clear statements by candidates regarding election outcomes may either boost public trust in the system or fuel mistrust, depending on how events unfold during and after voting.

As the country inches toward its 2026 party primaries and eventually the 2028 presidential elections, political observers are calling on all aspirants to:

• Respect the constitutional mandate of the Electoral Commission.
• Promote peaceful dialogue before and after elections.
• Refrain from language that could raise tensions or delegitimise official institutions.

The Electoral Commission, for its part, has reiterated its commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections, but public trust remains fragile in some quarters due to past disputes over voter registration, collation, and result declaration processes.

Kennedy Agyapong’s declaration may resonate with voters who demand strong, assertive leadership. However, in a democracy like Ghana’s — where peace and political stability are paramount — the timing, tone, and impact of such remarks will likely be scrutinised closely in the months ahead.

As the political season intensifies, Ghana’s leaders will once again be tested not just on policy, but on their ability to uphold democratic values in both victory and defeat.

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