Editor of The Newscenta newspaper, Elvis Darko, has cast serious doubt on the viability of Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum’s presidential ambitions within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), stating emphatically that the Education Minister is the least likely among the current contenders to succeed in the race for the party’s flagbearership.
Speaking during an appearance on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV, Elvis Darko dissected the internal dynamics of the NPP, suggesting that Adutwum lacks the grassroots influence and internal party structure necessary to mount a competitive bid.
“Against the three, he is the one with the least chance,” Darko said bluntly, referring to the known aspirants vying for the party’s top slot.
He explained that internal party contests require more than ministerial visibility or technocratic achievements.
“This is an internal political election, and in terms of internal politics, there are dynamics you have to weigh carefully to determine your chances.”
Darko, a seasoned political analyst and editor, pointed to Dr. Adutwum’s relatively recent entry into Ghanaian politics as a key disadvantage.
“Dr. Adutwum, we all know, had not been in Ghana for a long time.
“He came in, won a parliamentary seat, and served in government.
“But if you want to be the flagbearer of a political party, you need to measure the level of your support—especially among MPs who are closely connected to the grassroots.”
He also questioned the Minister’s reach at the polling station level—a critical arena for influence within the NPP’s delegate-driven selection process.
“If you go to all the polling stations of the NPP, how many people has he directly impacted?
“When we talk about those who hold the party dear or are actively involved in party-building at the local level, I haven’t seen Adutwum’s name come up,” he added.
Dr. Adutwum has declared intent to contest the upcoming NPP presidential primaries, joining figures like Kennedy Agyapong and Bryan Acheampong in what is expected to be a heated contest.
However, Elvis Darko’s analysis suggests that Adutwum will have to overcome significant political inertia within the party’s base to stand a real chance.
