Ghanaian entrepreneur and farmer Rev. Tweneboah Kodua has officially announced his intention to contest the 2028 presidential election as an independent candidate.
Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, Rev. Kodua said his decision was motivated by concerns over what he described as the country’s direction under successive governments.
According to him, the major political parties have had enough opportunities to lead Ghana, yet many of the country’s longstanding problems remain unresolved.
“I will run as an independent candidate. The political parties have had their chance to lead this country, but Ghanaians are still struggling with issues that should have been solved long ago,” he said.
Rev. Kodua also claimed that although President John Dramani Mahama may have intentions to reform the country, he faces resistance from within his own political party.
He therefore appealed to Ghanaians who are dissatisfied with the country’s two-party political system to support an independent alternative in the next general election.
Calls for Self-Reliance
The entrepreneur argued that Ghana has not yet achieved genuine independence and economic self-sufficiency despite gaining political independence more than six decades ago.
“Ghana has not yet achieved true independence. That is why we cannot use the resources that God has blessed us with to develop the nation,” he stated.
“We cannot claim to be independent while continuing to rely on foreign nations. I therefore intend to give Ghanaians the self-reliance they deserve.”
Rev. Kodua further criticised parts of the 1992 Constitution, claiming some provisions no longer serve the interests of the broader population.
He said constitutional reforms would become a major priority under his administration if elected president.
Focus on Agriculture and Jobs
Outlining his policy priorities, Rev. Kodua said his campaign would focus heavily on agricultural modernisation, youth employment and reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported goods.
Drawing from his experience as a farmer and entrepreneur, he said he understands many of the practical challenges facing ordinary Ghanaians.
“My background as a farmer and entrepreneur gives me a practical understanding of where the problems are and how to fix them,” he said.
He disclosed that he currently cultivates 120 acres of maize and plans to donate part of the harvest to support the government’s school feeding programme.
Rev. Kodua also promised to establish mining centres across all regions to create jobs for young people while promoting responsible mining practices.
Promise to Abolish Electricity Bills
Among his boldest campaign promises, Rev. Kodua pledged to abolish electricity bills for Ghanaian households, arguing that the country has enough natural resources to absorb the costs.
“If I become president, Ghanaian households will not pay electricity bills because we have resources that can cover the costs,” he stated.
He also criticised Ghana’s education system, describing it as overly theoretical and disconnected from the country’s economic realities.
According to him, his administration would introduce what he called a “Ghana School” model focused on technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical skills and reduce dependence on government jobs.
The 2028 presidential election will be Ghana’s next major national poll following the 2024 elections. Although independent candidates have historically struggled to challenge the dominance of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), growing public frustration with the two-party system has fuelled calls for alternative political voices in recent years.
Rev. Kodua said he plans to begin nationwide consultations in the coming months as part of efforts to build support ahead of the official campaign season.