Aspiring presidential candidate and Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has disclosed that an NPP government under his leadership will refund monies lost by individuals during the debt exchange program.
The politician and entrepreneur disclosed this while addressing party supporters after he filed his nomination to contest the presidential primaries of the NPP, which are scheduled for January 31, 2026.
He said the DDEP was a terrible decision taken by his own government, especially when investors had invested and expected returns but had to suffer what was popularly known as the “haircut.”
Ghana’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), launched in late 2022, was a crucial part of the country’s plan to tackle its significant debt problem and get a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
The program invited Ghanaian bondholders to voluntarily swap their old government bonds for new ones that had lower interest rates and longer maturity periods.
For instance, the new bonds offered a 0% interest rate in 2023, which would gradually rise to 10% in the following years. Bondholders also had to agree to extended maturity dates, meaning they would have to wait longer to get their money back.
Dr Bryan Acheampong described the DDEP as an unfortunate activity that deprived investors of their returns.
“The NPP got a lot of work to do. While in government, we started a number of projects and initiatives but could not complete them. No responsible government should deduct monies from investments of Ghanaians. When the NPP assumes office under my presidency, all the 2,320 individuals affected by the DDEP will have their monies paid back to them. Pension funds, all the institutions that were affected while we were in power, if God grants us the opportunity to assume office under the presidency of Dr Bryan Acheampong, you will receive all your locked up funds,” he stated.
Dr. Acheampong described his decision to contest as one driven by duty, clarity, and readiness to lead.
“I share this exciting news with you with clarity in my mind, energy in my body, and duty in my spirit. I speak as a servant ready to offer myself fully once again for party, for country, for a future that must belong to all of us,” he said.
“I come from humble beginnings, where values were taught day by day. The son of a teacher who struggled to raise three children—myself and two siblings—in the bathrooms of Mile 7. From there, I’ve built reputable businesses and a career in politics,” he shared.
.He continued, “I know what it means to build from the ground up. I know the weight of responsibility. I know how a single opportunity can transform not just one’s life, but an entire family’s future,” he stated.
“I have served faithfully in both party and government. I have been a grassroots activist, a politician, a policymaker, and a servant of my community,” he said. “I understand the potential of Ghana, and I believe in the potential of our people.”
He called for unity, saying, “My supporters from north to south, east to west must shy away from comments and commentaries that smear individuals and ultimately affect the fortunes of our party,” he cautioned. “I come to unite, I come to build, I come to lead with conviction, and I come to win power for the NPP.”
“Let me take the opportunity to thank all those who have come here to support me. I am aware that some people have driven for 20 hours from Tumu to Wa, and from Wa to Accra. I thank you,” he said.
