According to Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng, a Political Scientist, the reconciliation between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Ejisu MP, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, is likely to win back the support of some party members who had become disenchanted and drifted away.
Dr. Amakye-Boateng observed that the fallout between the former MP and the NPP has resulted in the departure and displacement of some key party leaders, which poses a significant concern that the NPP ought to address.
He suggested that the NPP’s failure to reconcile with estranged party loyalists over the years has resulted in missed opportunities.
As such he expressed skeptism about the effectiveness of recent reconciliation efforts in winning back these disaffected supporters.
“What is happening also is about the party’s core members; the card-bearing members. The disaffection has also affected other people in the area who are not necessarily card-bearing members. Generally in the Ashanti region, there is a particular feeling of neglect and people have come out openly and voiced this on various radio stations”.
“I would like to believe that the arrangements in place now to bring about cooperation is roping in all these people if indeed they [NPP] want to bring everybody back. The party generally has a lot to do in the [Ashanti] region”.
Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng
Dr. Amakye-Boateng noted that while the reconciliation in Ejisu may yield some benefits for the party, it remains uncertain whether this effort will be comprehensive enough to win back other disaffected supporters.
Dr. Amakye-Boateng observed that the NPP often unnecessarily offends certain groups within the party by trying to impose specific individuals into key positions, leading to resentment and disaffection among some factions.
Dr. Amakye-Boateng highlighted that the NPP’s declining popularity in the Ashanti region can be attributed, in part, to the party’s failure to deliver on infrastructural development in the area, leaving many to feel neglected and underserved.
He noted that the government’s recent attempts to address the infrastructure deficit in the Ashanti region have been perceived by many as a tactical move to garner votes, given the electoral cycle, rather than a genuine effort to drive meaningful development.
Kyerematen’s Withdrawal Key To NPP’s Success
Furthermore, Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng emphasized that persuading Alan Kyerematen to relinquish his presidential aspirations would significantly enhance the NPP’s electoral prospects, providing a substantial boost to the party’s chances.
He suggested that Alan Kyerematen’s presence in the party is closely tied to the legacy of former President Kufuor, implying that as long as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia remains the flagbearer, any attempts at reconciliation with Alan Kyerematen will be futile.
“They know how everything [Bawumia’s candidacy] came about. They were ready to use violence. It was a plot that was hatched and executed and now they have what they have. What exactly is going to bring Alan back? That is the main challenge”.
“…Many of his [Alan Kyerematen] supporters were blindsided all the time that Nana Addo has been in office. They were not given appointments. To me, Alan’s case is a big issue. They [NPP] need to deepen the internal democratic principles in their party and party’s constitution to guide all their activities”.
Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng
Dr. Amakye-Boateng emphasized that the pervasive culture of personalization in politics, characterized by the imposition of individuals on the party and the nation without regard for broader interests, must be recognized and addressed as a pressing issue.
He suggested that if the NPP adheres to its constitutional principles and operates within the established framework, the party’s supporters will remain loyal and committed, even in the event of a loss in the December 7th elections.
The Political Scientist pointed out that if the NPP identifies any flaws or shortcomings in its constitution, the most appropriate course of action would be to revise and amend it to better align with the party’s objectives and requirements.
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