The Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe and former Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has officially announced his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries ahead of the 2028 general elections.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, June 18, Dr Adutwum revealed his readiness to enter the race once the party opens nominations.
“With humility, conviction, and a resolute heart, I, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, declare my intent to run for the flagbearership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), should nominations be officially opened by the party,” he stated.
His announcement adds to the growing list of potential contenders vying for the party’s leadership, which already includes Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, and Minister for Agriculture Bryan Acheampong, among others.
This comes a day after the NPP officially set January 31, 2026, as the date for its presidential primaries, a decision that was endorsed by the party’s National Council following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 17.
General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua clarified that the date falls within the party leadership’s mandate and does not require additional approval from the national delegates conference.
Dr Adutwum, known for his influential role in Ghana’s education sector, is credited with spearheading reforms under the Free SHS programme and promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education during his time as Minister. His supporters highlight his blend of technocratic expertise and political experience as a strong advantage.
In his declaration, he called on the NPP grassroots to remain united as the party heads into what is expected to be a closely contested primary.
Meanwhile, a nine-member committee led by former Bekwai MP Joseph Osei Owusu has been tasked with organizing the NPP’s National Delegates Conference in July 2025. The conference will focus on constitutional reviews and amendments ahead of the primaries.
Background
Born on April 9, 1964, in Jachie in the Ashanti Region, Dr Yaw Adutwum holds a PhD in Educational Policy, Planning and Administration from the University of Southern California, along with other academic qualifications from institutions in the U.S. and Ghana. He is married with four children and serves on several international education advisory boards.
The upcoming primaries in January 2026 are expected to shape the future direction of the NPP as it positions itself for the 2028 general elections.
