The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Fifi Fiavi Kwetey has criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its decision to nominate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate for the 2024 general elections.
The National Officer of the opposition party, in a scathing critique, pointed out that the nomination of the Manhyia South Member of Parliament as the ruling party’s Vice Presidential Candidate is a reflection of the decline in the quality of leadership under President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
According to Mr. Kwetey, the elevation of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to the Vice-Presidential candidacy is indicative of the NPP’s abandonment of its foundational principles.
“It is glaringly obvious that the NPP is no longer driven by principles such as integrity, trustworthiness, empathy, competence, and genuine acumen. Instead, their focus has shifted towards appeasing specific factions and individuals who do the bidding of the establishment, disregarding the greater good and interest of the country.
“The selection of NAPO as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate is a clear demonstration of the NPP’s preference for politics of convenience over conviction, confirming the party’s descent into opportunism and mediocrity”.
Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary, National Democratic Congress
Contrasting Political Tickets
Mr Kwetey emphasized that, although the National Democratic Congress might benefit from a weak NPP ticket in the upcoming elections, the health of Ghana’s democracy necessitates strong opposing policies and competent leadership from all parties.
He juxtaposed Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s ticket with the NDC’s candidates, former President John Dramani Mahama and Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, describing the latter as experienced, visionary, and principled leaders.
Bawumia’s Economic Failures
Furthermore, the National Democratic Congress’ chief scribe pointed out that Dr. Bawumia, once touted as an economic expert, has failed to handle Ghana’s economy.
He noted that under Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s oversight as the head of the economic management team, the country has experienced increased economic hardships, despite his numerous promises and assurances.
“Dr. Bawumia, the so-called economic wizkid, has failed miserably to manage the economy he was brought to oversee, resulting in increased economic woes for Ghanaians, despite his lofty promises and his position as the head of the economic management team. His refusal to accept responsibility for his failures and his tendency to lie brazenly and joke about his unmet promises highlight his inadequacies”.
Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary, National Democratic Congress
NAPO’s Controversial Tenure
Moreover, Mr Kwetey did not spare Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh in his critique, characterizing the Energy Minister as arrogant and detached from the populace, citing his controversial tenure at the Ministry of Education, marked by chaos and mismanagement.
Additionally, Mr. Kwetey indicated that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s performance in the Energy Ministry has been equally problematic, with the resurgence of frequent power outages, mostly referred to as “dumsor” and other challenges in the energy sector.
According to Mr Kwetey, the Energy Minister’s reluctance to acknowledge these issues reflects his lack of honesty and humility, further demonstrating his disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary Ghanaians.
A Call for Principled Leadership
In his rallying call for principled leadership, the National Democratic Congress General Secretary urged Ghanaians to recognize the importance of electing leaders with strong moral character and integrity, capable of rescuing the country from the depths of decadence.
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s ticket, according to Mr. Kwetey represents a continuation of failed leadership and policies that have exacerbated the nation’s woes.
“Imagine if Ghana had no choice but the failed economist and the arrogant NAPO. This underscores the importance of our democracy, giving us the hope and power to choose better leaders. Our democracy enables us, come December 7th, to resist the imposition of leaders who will only aggravate our woes, rub it in our faces, talk down on us, abandon their promises, and evade accountability”.
Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary, National Democratic Congress
In contrast, Mr Kwetey positioned former President John Dramani Mahama and Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as embodiments of the values and principles essential for effective leadership.
He contended that their proven track record and reliability make them the superior choice for steering Ghana towards a brighter future.
Mr Kwetey also called on the electorate to resist the imposition of leaders who have failed to deliver on their promises and to rally around the NDC’s experienced and credible candidates.
The General Secretary of the opposition party’s critique concluded with a plea to the Ghanaian people to exercise their democratic power wisely in the upcoming elections.
He stressed the need for voters to choose leaders who have consistently demonstrated integrity, competence, and a genuine commitment to the nation’s welfare.
The upcoming elections, he asserted, offer a pivotal opportunity for Ghanaians to reject the politics of convenience and opportunism and to embrace a leadership rooted in conviction and principle.
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