Dr. Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, a Democracy and Development fellow at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has underscored the urgent need for the New Patriotic Party to address the grievances surrounding the nomination of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the party’s Vice Presidential candidate.
Dr. Sarpong, in a compelling argument, emphasized the importance of reconciliation efforts if the New Patriotic Party hopes to maintain its political fortunes in the upcoming general elections.
He strongly posited that early and proactive engagement with all factions, particularly those expressing dissatisfaction, is vital for the party’s cohesion.
He added that the concerns voiced by notable figures like Honorable Andy Appiah Kubi and groups such as the Patriotic Movement for Bawumia are legitimate and warrant serious attention.
“Appiah Kubi’s remarks made me remember the 2020 rally of the NPP in the Fomena constituency. NAPO completely destroyed the NPP’s breakaway independent candidate Andrew Asiamah who eventually won his seat and later became parliament’s 2nd Deputy Speaker.”
Dr Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, D&D Fellow, CDD-Ghana
The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development Democracy and Development fellow in a cautionary note, urged Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the presumptive running mate to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to avoid personalizing the criticism expressed against him.
He admonished him to focus on resolving the underlying issues to ensure his effective contribution to the New Patriotic Party flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s ticket.
NAPO Urged to Lead Reconciliation Effort
Furthermore, the renowned Pharmacist expressed deep concerns over the apparent lack of reconciliation efforts by Dr. Opoku Prempeh since 2020, highlighting a lack of healing between key party members such as Honorable Andy Appiah Kubi and the Fomena Member of Parliament, Honorable Andrew Asiamah Amoako.
Dr Sarpong argued that the perceived tension could prove detrimental to the party’s unity, particularly in the Ashanti Region, which is crucial for the New Patriotic Party’s electoral success.
He emphasized that without unity in the party’s stronghold, Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s addition to the ticket may yield minimal benefits, underscoring the importance of internal solidarity.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Sarpong acknowledged the potential strengths that Dr. Opoku Prempeh brings to the table.
He pointed out that the Manhyia South Member of Parliament’s diverse professional background, encompassing student politics, medical expertise, and leadership roles in education and energy, could complement Dr. Bawumia’s skill set.
However, Dr Sarpong asserted that the alignment of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr Opoku Prempeh’s political approaches remains uncertain, asserting that the true test of their viable alignment lies in how Dr. Opoku Prempeh integrates into the campaign and drives progress if he officially joins as running mate.
Given the limited time frame of five months to the elections, Dr. Sarpong urged the New Patriotic Party to provide Dr. Opoku Prempeh with the necessary space to immerse himself in the campaign.
He emphasized that the period ahead is crucial for building momentum and addressing any lingering discontent within the party ranks.
He stressed that the success of the ruling party’s campaign will hinge on its ability to present a united front and effectively leverage the complementary strengths of its candidates, adding that by addressing the legitimate concerns of aggrieved factions and fostering unity, the party can enhance its prospects in the upcoming general elections.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to hold emergency meetings of its National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council (NC) on Thursday, July 4, 2024 regarding the nomination of the party’s running mate for the 2024 general election.
This announcement was made in a letter signed by Justin Kodua Frimpong, the General Secretary of the party, and circulated to party members and stakeholders.
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