Bawumia Is a Manager, Not a Leader – Ernest Owusu Bempah

By Adwoa Nyarko Asiamah | 21 January 2026

A member of the Kennedy Agyapong campaign team, Ernest Owusu Bempah, has described former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a manager rather than a leader, arguing that Ghana needs a more practical and decisive leader at this stage of its development.

Speaking as a guest on Pure FM, Owusu Bempah said Ghanaians are looking for a hands-on leader like Kennedy Agyapong, whom he described as someone who rose from humble beginnings to national prominence through hard work and determination.

According to him, Kennedy Agyapong defied all odds, hustling in Europe and the United States before establishing himself in Ghana. He said Kennedy’s journey makes him relatable to ordinary Ghanaians and better positioned to understand their struggles.

Owusu Bempah argued that leadership should go beyond textbook theories and academic explanations, stressing that Kennedy Agyapong represents practical leadership. He claimed that Kennedy has contributed significantly to job creation and has helped reduce unemployment through direct support to businesses and individuals.

He likened Kennedy Agyapong to Lin Quaye, one of the founding figures of the New Patriotic Party, describing him as a unifier who has played a key role in resolving internal conflicts within the NPP. According to Owusu Bempah, many party disputes have been settled through Kennedy’s direct intervention.

He further described Kennedy Agyapong as disciplined, honest, and firm, insisting that such qualities are what Ghana urgently needs in a leader. He said Kennedy is not driven by family or friendship ties and would not hesitate to act against wrongdoing.

Owusu Bempah noted that every great leader has a degree of boldness and unconventional behaviour, adding that Ghana needs a fearless president who is willing to take tough decisions. He quoted Kennedy Agyapong as saying, “We need a motherfucker president,” explaining that the statement reflects the need for a strong, uncompromising leader.

According to him, Kennedy Agyapong would not tolerate misconduct in office and would swiftly dismiss anyone who misbehaves. He claimed that under such leadership, corruption would significantly reduce, as even law enforcement officers would be afraid to demand bribes.

Owusu Bempah described Kennedy Agyapong as decisive, action-oriented, and empathetic, saying he genuinely cares about people’s welfare. He also highlighted Kennedy’s support for the Muslim community, stating that no politician has supported Muslims more than Kennedy Agyapong.

He cited the construction of mosques and consistent support during Islamic festivals such as Sallah, describing Kennedy as emotionally driven by his love for people and their well-being.

Based on these qualities, Owusu Bempah concluded that Kennedy Agyapong possesses the attributes of a true leader and is better suited to lead Ghana at this critical time.