Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of the IMANI Centre for Policy Education, has offered pointed advice to the New Patriotic Party flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, urging him to pursue a more deliberate, honest, and reform driven strategy ahead of the next general election.
In a public commentary, Mr Cudjoe cautioned against what he described as a dangerous reliance on the potential mistakes of the governing National Democratic Congress as a pathway back to power.
“First advice to the retained flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Bawumia. Please do not wait for a major blunder of the NDC to ride on to grab power. This type of hope is unwise and is called baseless optimism.”
Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education
Mr Cudjoe stressed that electoral success cannot be sustained on expectation alone, especially in a political environment where voters are increasingly discerning and issue focused.
He acknowledged that while some political actors may still believe that opposition fortunes can improve if the governing party commits serious errors, such thinking is flawed.
In his assessment, even if such a strategy were to be pursued, the scale of any blunders would have to be far greater than those already experienced under the NPP’s previous administration.
He suggested that many of the controversies associated with the former government were significant enough to have already shaped public perception and voter behaviour.
Mr Cudjoe was particularly critical of the role of party communicators, warning that lies, insults, and propaganda should not be part of the NPP’s messaging going forward.
He argued that such tactics may have worked in the past, but are increasingly ineffective in a political climate where voters are more informed and better equipped to verify claims. According to him, the modern Ghanaian voter is sophisticated and quick to detect misinformation, exaggeration, or deliberate distortion of facts.
The IMANI President advised that the only viable path forward for Dr Bawumia is one grounded in truth and accountability. He noted that political communication must now be based on actual events, honestly assessed and carefully analysed.
In his view, credible analysis and transparent engagement are more likely to resonate with voters than confrontational rhetoric or attempts to rewrite recent history. Mr Cudjoe emphasised that this truthful approach must be paired with a clear demonstration of remorse and reform.
He suggested that the NPP’s challenge is not only to present itself as an alternative government, but to convince voters that it has learned from past mistakes and is genuinely committed to national progress. This, he argued, requires humility and a willingness to acknowledge where previous governance fell short.
He further observed that many voters are relatively content with certain aspects of the current political environment and will not easily be swayed by alarmist narratives.
For this group, he said, persuasion must come through thoughtful explanation of policy choices, realistic proposals for improvement, and a calm assurance that change will not introduce unnecessary risk or instability.
Dr Bawumia, he implied, must therefore present himself not as a frightening unknown, but as a leader who understands public concerns and has credible solutions. The policy thinker described the task ahead as demanding and time-consuming, noting that rebuilding trust and reshaping public perception cannot be achieved overnight.
He characterised the journey as a long road that requires discipline, consistency, and strategic patience. However, he expressed cautious optimism that such a transformation is possible if the right choices are made.
Mr Cudjoe’s intervention comes at a critical moment for the NPP as it seeks to reorganise after internal elections and prepare for a competitive national contest. His remarks reflect broader debates within Ghana’s political space about the quality of opposition politics, the role of policy driven discourse, and the expectations of an evolving electorate.
The advice from civil society actors such as IMANI often carries weight because it reflects perspectives outside partisan structures. By focusing on voter intelligence, honesty, and reform, Mr Cudjoe’s message underscores a growing demand for maturity and substance in political engagement.
Concluding his remarks, Mr Cudjoe wished Dr Bawumia well, expressing hope that the flagbearer would embrace the challenge and pursue a strategy aligned with national interest rather than short term political gain.
His comments serve as both a caution and an encouragement, highlighting the difficulty of the task while affirming that success remains achievable through credible leadership and principled politics.
READ ALSO: Fuel Price Increases Expected Despite Market Competition
