Henry Osei Akoto
Leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Henry Osei Akoto, has projected that the party’s best chance in the 2028 presidential election could lie in selecting former Kumasi Mayor and current Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, as its flagbearer.
According to Mr. Osei Akoto, Kojo Bonsu’s Ashanti background, combined with his governance and diplomatic experience, positions him as a unifying national figure capable of reshaping the country’s electoral dynamics and appealing to voters across traditional political divides.
Speaking on the evolving internal conversations within the NDC, Mr. Osei Akoto argued that the idea of an Ashanti flagbearer, once considered politically unrealistic, has become a serious and strategic option.
“The political landscape has changed. The assumptions that governed voter behaviour years ago no longer hold in the same way. If the NDC presents Kojo Bonsu, an Ashanti son with a proven record, it will not only be bold but also logical,” he said in an interview.
He noted that the Ashanti Region, long regarded as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) electoral stronghold, is undergoing significant demographic and social changes that make it increasingly competitive.
“Ashanti is no longer a monolithic voting bloc. Urbanisation, education, unemployment and cost-of-living pressures have changed priorities. Voters are now looking beyond party traditions to competence and delivery,” he added.
The NDC stalwart stressed that Kojo Bonsu’s background gives him credibility to speak to these concerns, particularly in urban centres such as Kumasi.
“An Ashanti candidate who understands local realities but also thinks nationally can disrupt patterns that were once considered fixed,” he said.
Mr. Osei Akoto also linked his argument to the NPP’s own strategic choices, pointing out that the governing party has already demonstrated that regional origin is no barrier to national leadership with the selection of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia from the Northern Region.
“If the NPP can confidently field a northern candidate, then it is entirely reasonable for the NDC to field an Ashanti candidate,” he noted, adding that, “This is not about symbolism; it is about strategy and fairness in national representation.”
Highlighting Kojo Bonsu’s credentials, Mr. Osei Akoto described him as one of the most comprehensively prepared figures within the NDC.
“Kojo Bonsu brings together local governance, international diplomacy and authentic Ashanti roots. That combination is rare and extremely valuable at this moment in our politics,” he said.
He recalled Bonsu’s tenure as Mayor of Kumasi, citing major improvements in road infrastructure, sanitation, market redevelopment and urban management.
According to him, Kojo Bonsu’s current role as Ghana’s Ambassador to China further strengthens his national appeal, especially at a time when economic transformation and job creation dominate voter concerns.
“China is central to Ghana’s industrial future, and Kojo Bonsu has been at the forefront of attracting investment, factories and technology transfer. He can credibly talk about jobs, production and economic transformation,” he pointed out.
Mr. Osei Akoto added that Kojo Bonsu’s previous attempts to contest the NDC flagbearer position also work in his favour.
While acknowledging that the decision on the NDC’s 2028 flagbearer will ultimately depend on broader party consultations, Mr. Osei Akoto insisted that the potential benefits of an Ashanti candidate should not be underestimated.
“If the NDC chooses Kojo Bonsu, it will not just be choosing an Ashanti candidate; it will be choosing a national candidate who can compete everywhere,” he said.
As the 2028 election draws closer, discussions around the NDC’s flagbearer options are expected to intensify, with voices like Henry Osei Akoto’s adding momentum to the growing case for an Ashanti-led ticket.
A Daily Guide Report
Tags: general news, Henry Osei Akoto, Kojo Bonsu, NDC, NDC Flagbearer
