Hot Source…Says top Kennedy Agyapong NPP flagbearer campaigner
New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso and leading campaigner for Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Stephen Amoah, has drawn widespread condemnation following controversial religious comments made during a political engagement in the Ashanti Region.
The ex-Deputy Minister of Finance in the Akufo-Addo administration, has abandoned Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a Muslim, claiming that Christians in Ghana are generally reluctant to vote for Muslim leaders.
He claimed that even in the northern regions and the Zongo communities across the country, where the NPP administration heavily concentrated its pro-poor initiatives to alleviate them from the scourge of poverty and deprivation, did not return the party’s generosity with the needed votes in the December 2024 elections.
He expressed his support for the former Assin Central MP, whom he suggested was a Christian, to lead the NPP as its flagbearer instead of Bawumia, whom he claimed Ghanaians had rejected, with some pastors forming a WhatsApp group to pray against a Muslim becoming president.
He mentioned how even his pastor, Otabil, of Calvary Charismatic Centre (CCC), a staunch NPP supporter, turned against the party due to Bawumia’s Muslim factor, including denying the Oforikrom MP the church’s platform for the NPP campaign.
He expressed confidence that Mr Agyapong, whom he said is being venerated across the country, would lead the NPP as flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.
Dr Amoah, popularly known as “Sticka”, was addressing members of the NPP’s student wing in Kumasi when he made remarks widely considered to be anti-Muslim.
“Whether we like it or not, Christians hardly want to vote for a Muslim leader. It is a fact,” Dr Amoah stated, to the visible discomfort of some in the audience, some of whom he accused of being disruptive.
Despite claiming to be from a multi-religious family, and a grandson of a Muslim by name Nana Yaw Boadi Kufo alias Mohammed, an “Asantekremo” (an Asante who converted to Islam), Dr. Amoah, went on “We all know—why are we lying to ourselves?” referring to his claim that Christians loathe Muslim leaders.
“I am speaking the truth, you can come and cut my neck,” he insisted.
Referencing the Akan ethnic group several times, Dr Amoah said, “Over two million people who were supposed to vote for the NPP did not vote for us. 84 per cent of these people were from six regions, which were NPP strongholds. 1.7 million in our stronghold did not vote.” This again suggested that Bawumia, was not voted for because he is not from the Akan ethnic group.
Urging the crowd to confront what he suggested was a prevailing truth, he said: “Acknowledge yourself and your problem, but we can find solutions to them, rather than saying [they don’t exist].”
Dr Amoah’s comments, made in support of Kennedy Agyapong, the former Assin Central MP and presidential hopeful for the NPP’s 2028 flagbearership race, have provoked outrage on social media and among religious tolerance advocates.
Many Ghanaians have labelled the remarks as “discriminatory and disrespectful”, warning that such rhetoric could stoke religious divisions in an already diverse and multi-faith society.
Dr. Amoah pointed to the party’s dwindling support in the northern regions as a key reason for his change of heart.
“During the recent elections, four out of the five Northern regions cast their votes against the NPP. This isn’t merely my opinion; it’s a fact. This is not about tribal politics, unless one fears the judgment of God.” He said.
He elaborated that the voting margin against the NPP in one Northern region was approximately 53,000 votes, citing, “In my constituency, all the Zongos and Muslim communities voted against the NPP.”
According to him, the root causes of these electoral losses are numerous, and some are sensitive. He added that they prefer we don’t speak the truth.
Dr. Amoah stressed that his continued commitment to the NPP is rooted in his belief in the party’s potential to rescue the country, despite its flaws.
“I’ve reconsidered my position because I believe the NPP is the only party capable of saving Ghana, even if we occasionally make mistakes.”
He explained that public sentiment influenced his decision to support Kennedy Agyapong.
“As I was analyzing how we might secure victory in the 2028 elections, many people on the streets were advocating for Honourable Kennedy Agyapong to be our party’s flagbearer. This isn’t due to any monetary influence or a sudden change of heart on my part.” Dr. Amoah pointed out.
He reflected on his shift in support, “I’ve reconsidered my position because I believe the NPP is the only party capable of saving Ghana, even if we occasionally make mistakes.”
He noted that in discussions about the 2028 elections, many constituents were advocating for Kennedy Agyapong as the party’s flagbearer.
“This isn’t due to any monetary influence or a sudden change of heart on my part. If it were solely up to me, my choice for president might differ”, he said, adding, “However, within the NPP, we aim to reclaim power from the NDC, and there’s a common call among party members for Honourable Kennedy Agyapong to lead.”
Amoah pointed out the differing motivations within politics, stating, “For some, it’s not about personal gain; many enter politics with the genuine interest of everyday Ghanaians in mind, while others pursue their own selfish agendas.”
Dr. Amoah also condemned political dishonesty, saying, “We live in a nation plagued by deceit from some politicians, where lies are told in the pursuit of power, something the Bible condemns.”
While clarifying that he wasn’t claiming Agyapong is better than other candidates, he emphasised the groundswell of grassroots support.
“I’m not suggesting that Honourable Kennedy Agyapong is superior to other candidates, but the grassroots of our party are rallying behind him.”
In a controversial moment, Dr. Amoah made remarks that drew criticism, stating, “Whether we like it or not, Christians hardly want to vote for a Muslim leader. It is a fact.”
He then asked the audience, “We all know why we lie to ourselves?”
“I stand for the truth, I can even be killed, I don’t care”.
Acknowledging the complex nature of political affiliations, he concluded, “I’m not suggesting that Honourable Kennedy Agyapong is superior to other candidates, but the grassroots of our party are rallying behind him to be the NPP’s flagbearer.”
The post Christians, poor Northerners & Zongo voters rejected Bawumia appeared first on The Herald ghana.
