Political scientist Dr. Kwame Asah Asante has openly questioned the credibility of findings by Global InfoAnalytics that suggest former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the preferred candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) into the 2028 elections.
Speaking critically of the data, Dr. Asante found it perplexing that someone once reportedly rejected by his own party so recently has now emerged as the frontrunner.
“My question remains unanswered because if you listen to his answer, they did not interrogate a lot of things there.
“This is a person who was so rejected by the party to the extent that they find it very difficult to talk about his type of defeat”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, Political Scientist
Dr. Asante expressed concern that Global InfoAnalytics’ survey did not sufficiently interrogate the historical context of Dr. Bawumia’s political journey within the NPP. He recalled the former vice president’s difficult past with the party and questioned the current narrative of widespread support.
“What is it that he has said that has really got to the people and has informed their choice?
“What has he done that has the whole Ghana, especially those who rejected him, now saying, ‘Look, you got it right, when next time you’re given an opportunity, we are gonna give power to you’?”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, Political Scientist
According to Dr. Asante, it remains unclear what Dr. Bawumia has done differently since December 2024 to warrant such renewed enthusiasm from NPP party supporters.
He demanded evidence of transformative work or statements that would justify the shift.
Rational Skepticism
While acknowledging the survey’s disclaimer that final decisions rest with party delegates, Dr. Asante questioned the reliability of the responses gathered.
“Either the respondents were deceiving his team or they were not giving the right information,” he said.
He also criticized the timing of the analysis, arguing that Ghana’s political landscape can change drastically within a four-year span. He suggested it was premature to determine front-runners for the NPP flagbearer race, especially given the range of potential contenders.
“You’ve seen Addai Nimo, Bryan Acheampong, Kwabena Agyapong, Yaw Adu Twum, Kennedy Agyapong. Others may pop up, including Boakye Agyarko.
“There may be other people like Joe Ghartey and co. Fine gentleman, one of the best legal brains you can see in this country”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, Political Scientist
Personality-Based Analysis
Dr. Asante also expressed concern over the attribution of blame to specific individuals for the NPP’s 2024 electoral loss.
He cited data from the survey suggesting voters blamed President Nana Akufo-Addo (68%), former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta (40%), and Dr. Bawumia (37%) among others.
“I have a difficulty with this analysis here,” he said.
“If you read the literature that influences voter choices in elections, we don’t talk about personalities”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, Political Scientist
In his view, the Ghanaian electorate prioritizes issues over individuals. He stressed that the “economy, infrastructure, unemployment,” and corruption are the real deciders in any national election.
“Ghanaians look at broad policies, things that improve their lot, so if you ignore this and you want to blame certain individuals, then I have a difficulty”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, Political Scientist
Dr. Asante further emphasized that changes in government personnel do not always yield significant improvements if the underlying systems remain flawed. Referring to the transition from Mr. Ofori-Atta to Amin Adams as Finance Minister, he questioned the impact on economic recovery.
“The economy was still in difficulty,” he declared, highlighting the fact that nothing changed after Mr. Amin came into the picture.
Ghana’s political discourse is increasingly shaped by policy performance rather than political allegiances. As the country navigates economic challenges, commentators like Dr. Asante stress the importance of substance over symbolism.
As political parties begin to regroup following the 2024 elections, the debate over who should lead the NPP in the future remains unsettled. However, Dr. Asante’s remarks reflect a broader call for data-driven analysis rooted in performance and policy rather than personalities and party nostalgia.
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