Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, a flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2028 general elections, has pledged to unify the party, champion living wages for workers and intensify efforts to eradicate poverty, should he be given the mandate to lead.
Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi ahead of the NPP’s presidential primary scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2026, Dr. Adutwum said his campaign had been conducted without insults or personal attacks, positioning him as a candidate capable of bringing the party together after the internal contest.
“I did a campaign devoid of insults. When we elect me, nobody will say they cannot follow because I insulted their leader or the person they supported,” he said. “I assure you that we will have a unified party going into the 2028 election.”
Dr. Adutwum stressed that unity within the party was critical to its electoral success and urged party members to rally together regardless of differing preferences during the primaries.
Turning to national economic issues, the former Education Minister underscored the need for what he described as “livable wages” for Ghanaian workers. He explained that such wages should be sufficient to support families, pay school fees and, over time, enable workers to own homes and vehicles.
“Livable wages are what help countries emerge out of poverty, and that is something we must work on as a nation,” he said, adding that he was committed to championing the policy because “it is the right thing to do.”
Dr. Adutwum linked higher wages to increased productivity, arguing that productivity gains could not be achieved without investing in skills development. He announced plans to provide workers with training vouchers to acquire 21st-century skills, particularly in information technology, to help them add value at their workplaces.
“Workers must be given the opportunity to train themselves well so they can advance and contribute more effectively wherever they are assigned,” he said.
He also reiterated his commitment to eradicating poverty, expressing concern that a significant proportion of Ghanaians remain unemployed or are working but still poor. According to him, this situation required urgent and deliberate action.
“The fact that close to 40 per cent of people are not working, or are working and still poor, should concern us all,” Dr. Adutwum said. “If other countries have been able to eradicate poverty, then with focus and commitment, Ghana can do the same.”
The NPP presidential primary on January 31 is expected to determine the party’s direction as it positions itself for the 2028 general elections.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
