Former Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture Catherine Afeku has expressed support for NPP flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Agyapong, describing him as a bold, experienced, and pragmatic leader capable of addressing Ghana’s unemployment challenges through industrialisation.
Speaking on JoyNews’ News Desk programme on Friday, December 19, Ms Afeku said Mr Agyapong’s background in business and long-standing parliamentary experience distinguish him from many of his contemporaries.
“Kennedy Agyapong comes in as someone who has done it before. He has industries, so he is the kind of person who can talk and do what he is saying,” she said. “He has also been in Parliament for six terms; he combines experience with practical knowledge.”
According to Ms Afeku, one of Mr Agyapong’s defining traits is his blunt and forthright approach to public discourse, which she believes resonates with a section of the Ghanaian electorate.
“What people love about him is his brutal honesty. He tells it like it is. There is no sugar-coating,” she stated.
She argued that Ghana is at a critical stage where unconventional leadership is required, drawing comparisons with bold global leaders who have disrupted entrenched systems by challenging the status quo.
“We need a leader who thinks outside the box, who is unconventional and courageous,” she said.
Ms Afeku highlighted Mr Agyapong’s consistent emphasis on industrialisation as a practical pathway to economic growth and job creation.
“He has been very consistent: let’s industrialise, let’s wipe out unemployment. When asked how, he says, ‘industry.’” She explained.
She stressed that unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, remains Ghana’s most pressing socio-economic problem and noted that Mr Agyapong’s claims are backed by his personal record.
“He is not talking from a vacuum. He says, ‘I have done it before. I have created industry, I have employed people. The real issue in our country is unemployment, especially youth unemployment, and I have the antidote,” she said.
The former minister also praised Mr Agyapong’s simple and result-driven messaging, referencing the “Keep It Simple” campaign strategy popularised by former United States President Bill Clinton.
“Keeping it simple is always the solution to many of our problems,” she said. “He keeps it simple, pragmatic, and result-oriented.”
Ms Afeku emphasised that Ghana needs leadership that combines courage with the ability to deliver tangible outcomes.
“That is why I like this gentleman. I like his style of governance and his can-do attitude,” she added. “We need someone bold, courageous, and, above all, result-oriented.”