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Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (born June 16, 1960) is a Ghanaian politician and businessman who represents Assin Central in parliament for the New Patriotic Party. He was first elected as a member of parliament in 2000 to the seat of Assin North. He retained his seat in the year 2004 and 2008 parliamentary elections. In 2012, he was elected in the new seat of Assin Central and was re-elected in 2016. He also retained his seat in the 2020 general elections. He is currently the Chairman of the Parliament’s Defense and Interior Committee and an aspirant for the presidential candidate on the ticket of the NPP.
Early life and education
Ohene Agyapong was born 16 June 1960 to Francis Ohene Kofi Agyapong and Mrs. Mary Nsiah at Assin Dompim in the Central Region of Ghana. He had his secondary education at Adisadel College in the Central Region. Agyapong holds a GCE A-Level and studied at the Fordham University, New York, USA. He is a farmer and businessman, director of Assin Farms, Supercare Group of Companies and Hollywood Shopping Centre.
Politics
Kennedy Agyapong still remains one of the politicians who have never lost an election in Ghana. He was first elected in the year 2000. His intellectual work in the 2016 elections resulted in the victory of Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo- Addo.
Kennedy Agyapong chairs the Communication Committee in Parliament, under the current presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo.
Agyapong has vowed to commit suicide if former President John Mahama’s brother, Ibrahim, is not jailed by the Akufo-Addo government for some corrupt activities which, according to Agyapong, have led to the state losing money. One example he claimed, was the defaulting of payment of taxes by Ibrahim Mahama for more than a year period when his brother was President of the Republic of Ghana. Agyapong’s personal campaign on the issue to bring it to media attention led to the investigation of Ibrahim Mahama and subsequent agreement of Ibrahim Mahama to pay the said taxes. This action earned Kennedy Agyapong praises from a wide section of Ghanaians.
Agyapong’s indirect attack on the Electoral Commissioner of Ghana Charlotte Osei for, he alleged, trading sex for her position as the Electoral Commissioner (EC) boss brought upon him criticisms from various leaders including Queen mothers and human rights activists as well as other members of parliament. In 2018, following the arrest of Ghana Football Association president Kwasi Nyantakyi, he said that anti-corruption investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas should be stopped before he started investigating people in their “bedrooms whilst asleep”. He has repeatedly threatened Anas and was condemned internationally by the committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders he stated that Anas’ methods were ‘unfair’. Speaking live on Adom FM on 4 June 2018, he called Anas “a blackmailer, an extortionist”, mimed his throat being cut and said he should be “hanged.” He also called for “retribution” against Anas’ fellow reporter, Ahmed Hussein-Suale, saying “If he comes here, beat him… Whatever happens, I’ll pay.” Hussein-Suale was subsequently assassinated.
In July 2018, he was cross examined for contempt of Parliament.
He is believed to be the first Ghanaian individual to own an ¢8 million Rolls-Royce, and is believed to also own a private jet, sparking calls for an investigation from the Customs Excise and Preventive Service into his wealth.
Committees
He is the chairperson for the Defense and Interior Committee; also, a member of the Judiciary Committee and also a member of the Special Budget Committee.
Desire for the presidency
In May 2022, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong announced his candidacy for the flagbearer position within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). He emphasized that his decision is resolute and final. The MP for Assin Central, revealed his intention to compete in the upcoming NPP presidential primaries for the 2024 general elections. According to a report from classfmonline.com, Kennedy Agyapong made this announcement on his television network on Monday, May 16, 2022.
He stated that if he wins the party primaries and the general election, he plans to utilize his initial 100 days as President to transform the mindset of Ghanaians.
I am PHD
He expressed support for “PHD,” which he defined as a practical rather than theoretical approach. He explained that PHD stands for patriotism, honesty, and discipline. He believes these principles, if embraced, can lead to significant positive changes in Ghana within his first 100 days as president. He aims to instill these values in the people to enhance their service to the nation.
My Focus is on Tourism
He highlighted the tourism potential of Ghana’s historic castles and forts, particularly those linked to the slave trade and colonialism. Mentioning the oldest Bible in Elmina Castle and other attractions, he aims to leverage these sites to boost tourism and generate income for the country.
Employment
Highlighting the alarming unemployment despite abundant resources, Kennedy Agyapong, the politician and businessman, shared his employment of over 7,000 individuals nationwide. He believes that if he becomes president, he can effectively address the unemployment issue.
Personal life
He is a Christian and married with 22 children.
