A renowned Freelance Investigative Journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni has called upon the New Patriotic Party Vice Presidential candidate for the upcoming general elections, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to confront the persistent perception of arrogance that has been associated with his political career.
The Nieman Harvard Fellow began by challenging the Ghanaian understanding of arrogance, noting that assertiveness and forthrightness are often mislabeled as arrogance.
He stated that even though he has not met the ruling party’s Vice Presidential Candidate in person, he recalled an instance in 2020 when the former Education Minister personally acknowledged the receipt of complimentary copies of his books.
This gesture, Mr Awuni noted though minor, left a positive impression on him, contradicting the widespread perception of the Manhyia South legislator’s arrogance tag.
However, the former editor-in-chief of the Fourth Estate was quick to clarify that this single encounter is not sufficient to dismiss the claims of arrogance against the Manhyia South Member of Parliament.
He posited that it is essential to discuss and address this issue, rather than ignoring it for political convenience.
“Is my encounter enough to say that those calling NAPO arrogant are all wrong? No. Is his perceived arrogance enough to say he should not hold a public office? No. Is it an issue we should even focus on and discuss? Yes.
“If any candidate had come close to Matthew Opoku Prempeh in the compromised criteria and political permutation set for selecting the NPP running mate, he would not have been selected. And no sensible man would ignore a blot on their character that is conspicuous enough to block their competence”.
Manasseh Azure Awuni, Freelance Investigative Journalist and Nieman Harvard Fellow
Drawing parallels to a past event, Mr Awuni warned against dismissing allegations of arrogance, citing instances where President Akufo-Addo’s perceived arrogance has manifested in both public and private actions, to the detriment of his public image.
“Today, he is president and manifests that arrogance in many ways. The obvious ones we see are the videos of him commanding traditional rulers to stand and greet him. His handlers, who are supposed to remind him that he is the people’s servant, follow and encourage him. Has anybody ever thought that someone could be sitting because they have a health problem?
“In enlightened churches, pastors who ask the congregants to stand often precede it with a caveat that exempts those who may be unable to stand because of old age or ill health. However distasteful Akufo-Addo’s public attitude is, it cannot be worse than his unseen manifestation of arrogance in his exercise of the absolute power we give to our presidents”.
Manasseh Azure Awuni, A Freelance Investigative Journalist and Nieman Harvard Fellow
He questioned why Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is tagged as arrogant and while Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who has faced more vicious attacks from both NPP and NDC, is not, attributing it to Dr. Bawumia’s genuine humility and ability to connect with people, traits that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s critics argue he lacks.
Load-Shedding Timetable Brouhaha
Mr Awuni referenced the recent backlash against the Energy Minister’s dismissive response to demands for a load-shedding timetable, arguing the incident exemplifies the perception problem the former Education Minister faces.
Acknowledging that everyone has weaknesses, the renowned Investigative Journalist urged Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh not to dismiss the criticisms but to work on them.
“But how do you convince Ghanaians that Napo’s arrogance is a mere perception or misconception when we still remember how he recently responded to those asking for a timetable for the load shedding? In some countries where they take citizens seriously, he could have lost his ministerial job because power outages can be a matter of life and death.
“Everybody has their weakness. Nobody is an angel. So when the tongues that overwhelmingly point out your weakness to you have tangible examples to back their claims, you don’t dismiss it. You work on it”.
Manasseh Azure Awuni, A Freelance Investigative Journalist and Nieman Harvard Fellow
He cautioned against excusing the Manhyia Member of Parliament’s behavior due to his royal lineage, arguing that true royal training should enhance, not detract from, one’s demeanor and public conduct.
Mr. Awuni further warned against blindly supporting leaders who appear humble while ignoring the overt arrogance of others, arguing that while arrogance alone should not disqualify Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh from holding public office, it is a significant issue that must be addressed.
“Ghana has tolerated both humble and arrogant leaders, including those involved in corruption. For the sake of public mental health”, Mr Awuni stated, suggesting that humble leaders are more bearable.
In his closing remarks, the Ace Investigative Journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni called on the New Patriotic Party Vice Presidential Candidate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, and his handlers to take the arrogance tag seriously and address it head-on.
He emphasized that addressing the issue could make the Manhyia South lawmaker a better human being and leader, enhancing his suitability for higher office.
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