Ghanaian entrepreneur and farmer Rev. Tweneboah Kodua has 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 dissatisfaction with the country’s direction under successive governments and the performance of the major political parties.
“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 stated.
Rev. Kodua also claimed that although John Dramani Mahama intends to reform the country, he faces resistance from within his own political party.
He called on Ghanaians dissatisfied with the country’s two-party political system to support an independent alternative.
According to the entrepreneur, Ghana has yet to achieve genuine independence and self-sufficiency more than six decades after attaining sovereignty.
“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 said.
“We cannot claim to be independent while continuing to rely on foreign nations. I therefore intend to give Ghanaians the self-reliance they deserve,” he added.
Rev. Kodua further argued that aspects of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution no longer serve their intended purpose and instead benefit only a section of the population.
He stated that constitutional reforms would form a major part of his administration if elected.
Outlining his policy priorities, he said his campaign would focus on agricultural modernisation, youth employment and reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported goods.
As a farmer, Rev. Kodua disclosed that he has cultivated 120 acres of maize and intends to donate the harvest to support the government’s school feeding programme.
“My background as a farmer and entrepreneur gives me a practical understanding of where the problems are and how to fix them,” he stated.
He also pledged to abolish electricity bills for Ghanaian households, arguing that the country possesses sufficient resources to absorb the cost.
In addition, he promised to establish mining centres across all regions to create employment opportunities for young people while promoting responsible mining practices.
“If I become president, Ghanaian households will not pay electricity bills because we have resources that can cover the costs,” he said.
Rev. Kodua 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 a “Ghana School” model focused on technical and vocational education to equip graduates with practical skills and reduce dependence on government employment.
The 2028 presidential election will be Ghana’s next scheduled national poll following the 2024 elections.
Independent candidates have historically struggled to gain significant political support against the dominant National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party, although public dissatisfaction with the two-party system has grown in recent years.
Rev. Kodua said he plans to begin nationwide consultations in the coming months to build support ahead of the official campaign period.
