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Bryan Acheampong calls for unity, urges Kennedy Agyapong to support Dr. Bawumia
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant and Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has called on party members to put aside their differences and unite behind the NPP’s 2028 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
In a statement issued on June 19, 2026, Dr. Acheampong said the party’s main focus should be rebuilding and returning to power after its defeat in the 2024 general election.
He noted that he understands the disappointment that follows a closely contested primary, having also contested in the NPP’s January 2026 flagbearer race and lost.
“I speak to you today not as a bystander to our recent contest, but as one who stood in it,” he stated.
Dr. Acheampong expressed concern over recent comments made by former Assin Central MP and former NPP flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, including his threat to take action against the party and some individuals.
According to him, Mr. Agyapong remains an important figure within the NPP whose contributions, loyalty and influence cannot be questioned.
However, he appealed to him to help promote unity rather than deepen divisions within the party.
“It is for that very reason that I urge him, respectfully but firmly, to lower the temperature and to lend his considerable influence to the work of healing rather than division,” Dr. Acheampong said.
He acknowledged that some individuals associated with Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, as well as his own campaign, directed disrespectful comments and insults at Mr. Agyapong during and after the primary contest.
Dr. Acheampong said such conduct was unfortunate and should have been addressed more quickly by party elders.
However, he stressed that there is no evidence that Dr. Bawumia authorised or supported those attacks.
According to him, the individuals involved acted on personal grievances and their actions should not be attributed to the NPP flagbearer or the party as a whole.
He noted that harsh words were exchanged by people on different sides during the contest, including Mr. Agyapong and some of his supporters, but said those comments were made in the heat of the campaign.
Dr. Acheampong called on all parties to forgive one another and work towards reconciliation.
He emphasized that the focus should be on supporting Dr. Bawumia and strengthening the NPP ahead of the 2028 elections.
“Dr. Bawumia is now the candidate of all of us. He carries the mandate not only of those who voted for him, but of every member who voted for Ken, for me, and for the others who contested,” he said.
Dr. Acheampong appealed to Mr. Agyapong, their supporters and all party members to end internal disputes and work together for the party’s success.
He concluded by stating that unity remains the NPP’s best path to victory in the next general election.
“Unity is not weakness. Unity is how we win,” he said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
In a world where fathers are increasingly consumed by work and the pursuit of financial security, Bishop Michael Quartey, the Regional Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, has urged fathers to prioritise spending quality time with their children.
This, he said makes them develop trust, love and sense of security in building confident responsible adults.
Bishop Michael Quartey made this known in an interview with The Spectator ahead of the Father’s Day celebration tomorrow.
He noted that while many fathers are providing the financial needs of their families, children also require emotional support, guidance and quality time from their fathers.
“A lot of children are engaged in a lot of negative things just because of the absence of their fathers and it is about time we sit up.”
Bishop Quartey explained that fatherhood goes beyond meeting financial obligations and involves being physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.
“Fathers serve as role models whose actions and decisions often influence the values and attitudes of their children” he disclosed.
He also elaborated that regular communication, participation in school activities and involvement in children’s daily life could significantly strengthen family bonds and contribute to the overall well –being of the children.
He added that though the modern day fathers are doing so well, we need to continue to change the narrative by putting in extra effort in the upbringing of our children.
“Being a father is a great joy and it is very necessary for fathers to be celebrated because they go through a lot,” he indicated.
Mr Quartey used the opportunity to encourage all fathers to continue doing their best and pray for their children as well.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
A new cultural, trade, and diplomatic platform celebrating Ghana-Norway ties was launched on Saturday, June 13, at Palms by Eagles Hotel, Accra.
Dubbed the ‘Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026’, the event draws on the symbolism of Ghana’s rivers, -Nsuo, and Norway’s fjords to highlight water as a shared cultural, economic, and environmental identity.
The three-day event is scheduled for July 31 – August 2, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Activities will include a trade exhibition, durbar of chiefs, and B2B networking sessions.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Durbar, Kofi Mulan, said Ghana’s rivers like the Volta, Pra, and Ankobra have long sustained livelihoods through fishing, transport, and spirituality.
“Similarly, Norway’s fjords represent the cornerstone of its maritime heritage, global leadership in ocean industries, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Mulan added.
“These parallel relationships with water form the philosophical and thematic spine of the entire event. The Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026 is therefore framed as a convergence of heritage and innovation,” he said.
Organisers say participants will benefit from Global visibility and cultural diplomacy in Europe, stronger ties with Norway, and increased market access for exports like fashion, crafts, agribusiness, and processed goods under AfCFTA frameworks on the Ghana side.
On the Norway side, they noted access to Norwegian expertise in maritime technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy, plus opportunities in fisheries, offshore energy, and sustainability projects.
The Durbar is positioned as a high-level exchange platform to deepen trade and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Norway.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
