In advance of the general elections in 2028, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the former education minister and member of parliament for Bosomtwe, has formally announced his intention to run for president of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). On Wednesday, June 18, Dr. Adutwum declared on Facebook that he would enter the race as soon as the party formally opened 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.

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 Dr. Adutwum joins a growing list of candidates that includes Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, businessman and Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, and Minister of Agriculture Bryan Acheampong, among others, to publicly express interest in the party's top leadership position.

 His declaration follows the NPP's official announcement that its presidential primary to choose a flagbearer for the 2028 elections would take place on January 31, 2026.  The National Council of the party later approved the decision, which was confirmed after a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Tuesday, June 17.

 According to the General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, the Council has the authority to decide whether to hold the primaries on that date, so neither a constitutional amendment nor the national delegates conference's consent is needed.

 “The date for our presidential primaries is set for January 31, 2026. That will be the date that we shall hold our presidential primaries,” Mr. Kodua stated.
 Reputable educationist and reformer Dr. Adutwum is widely acknowledged for bringing about a number of policy changes in the education sector during his tenure, such as the promotion of STEM education and changes to the Free SHS program.

His supporters view him as a candidate who blends political experience with technocratic proficiency. In his statement, Dr. Adutwum called on the NPP's grassroots members to stand together as the party gets ready for what may be a fiercely competitive leadership contest.

 The task of organizing the NPP's National Delegates Conference in July 2025 has been given to a nine-member committee, which is chaired by former Bekwai MP Joseph Osei Owusu. Prior to the primaries, the conference will examine and approve constitutional amendments.

 The January primaries are anticipated to be a pivotal event in deciding the NPP's future leadership and prospects of regaining power as the 2028 election cycle draws near.

 Profile

 Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum was born in Jachie, Ashanti Region, on April 9, 1964. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a PhD in Educational Policy, Planning, and Administration. He also has a bachelor's degree in land economy from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and master's and postgraduate degrees in teaching and education from Californian universities. He is married, has four kids, and is on a number of international education advisory boards.