A strong wave of endorsement has emerged from the heart of Kumasi as traders in second-hand clothes and shoes have thrown their full support behind Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Ghana’s former Minister of Education, urging the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to elect him as its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.
Addressing the media on Monday, the traders—many of whom are loyal grassroots members of the NPP—described Dr. Adutwum as a visionary, humble, and result-oriented leader who they believe possesses the qualities needed to lead the party and restore Ghana’s education policy to its original glory.
According to the group, Dr. Adutwum’s legacy at the Ministry of Education—marked by transformational reforms such as the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)—is a clear demonstration of his leadership capacity.
“We believe Dr. Adutwum is the right man for the job,” declared Georgina Osei, one of the leading voices among the traders. “His intervention in the Free SHS policy after he took over from Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh brought real value and direction to the programme. Electing him as our next flagbearer and eventually as President of Ghana will help fix the damage the NDC government has caused to Free Education.”
She added passionately, “We need him to restore the good image of the Free Education policy and take Ghana’s education system to the next level.”
Also speaking to journalists, Mr. David Osei Kuffour, an Executive Member of the Ashanti Second-hand Shoe Sellers Association, pointed to Dr. Adutwum’s international experience and achievements, citing the educational institutions he established in the diaspora before serving in government.
“His educational track record is not just limited to Ghana. He has made great strides abroad and proved himself here too. His performance in the education ministry is unmatched, and it clearly shows he deserves the flagbearership,” Mr. Kuffour noted.
He therefore appealed to all NPP delegates across the country to throw their weight behind Dr. Adutwum when the time comes, stressing that the party needs a candidate with substance, humility, and a proven commitment to development to win the trust of Ghanaians.
The massive endorsement from the Kumasi second-hand clothing market—one of the largest informal trading centers in the country—signals growing grassroots momentum for Dr. Adutwum as the NPP begins to assess potential leaders for the crucial 2028 elections.
If elected, Dr. Adutwum would be expected to continue championing education reforms, restoring policy confidence, and uniting the party base ahead of what is anticipated to be a highly competitive political season.
