A recent opinion poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics in the Ashanti Region, the traditional stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has revealed a strong endorsement of Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh’s nomination as the running mate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The poll indicated that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh enjoys a net favorability rating of +60%, significantly higher than other potential candidates, including Dr. Osei Adu-Twum, Prof. Opoku Onyinah, and Hon. Kennedy Agyapong.
“The poll shows that among voters in the region, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh has the highest favourability rating when compared to Dr Osei Adu-Twum, Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, and Prof Opoku Onyinah. Dr Opoku Prempeh has a net favourability rating of +60% (Favourable minus unfavorable). Hon. Kennedy Agyapong is in second place with a rating of +55%. Dr. Adu-Twum and Prof Opoku Onyinah are tied with +43%”.
Global InfoAnalytics
Strong Approval in the Ashanti Region
Among voters in the Ashanti Region, the survey indicated that 75% of voters approve of Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s nomination, while 22% disapprove, and 3% are neutral.
The support according to the survey is even stronger among NPP voters in the region, with 89% expressing approval, 10% disapproval, and 1% neutral.
The Manhyia South Member of Parliament’s nomination also appears to have a significant impact on voter behavior, with 62% of Ashanti voters indicating they are likely to be influenced by the decision in the upcoming December elections.
This sentiment was echoed by 72% of NPP voters, compared to 13% who are unlikely to be influenced and 15% who are neutral.
However, the poll also revealed that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s nomination has not markedly improved the NPP’s overall standing in the region.
“…on the critical issue of whether Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh could increase NPP’s share of the vote in the Ashanti region compared to 2020, the poll shows that NAADAA/DMB ticket still outperforms DMB/DMOP as 84% of respondents said they voted for NAADA/DMB compared to 15% for JDM/JNOA ticket. Compared to current voting intention, DMB/DMOP obtained 73%, JDM/JNOA on 11%”.
Global InfoAnalytics
Challenges in Greater Accra
According to the Global InfoAnalytics’ latest survey, the Greater Accra Region presented a contrasting scenario, where the Manhyia South lawmaker, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh faced a net unfavorability rating of -11%.
In comparison, the survey dclosed that Hon. Kennedy Agyapong enjoyed a modest net favorability rating of +3%. The poll results indicated that only 24% of voters in Greater Accra are likely to be influenced by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s nomination, with a substantial 67% stating they are unlikely to be swayed and 9% remaining neutral.
“Only 49% of NPP voters said they are likely to be influenced by the nomination, while 42% will not be influenced and 9% are neutral”.
Global InfoAnalytics
Impact on Electoral Prospects
The poll suggested mixed sentiments about Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s ability to help the NPP “break the eight.”
In the Ashanti Region, the survey pointed out that 60% of respondents believe he is the best candidate to achieve this goal, while 28% disagree and 12% are undecided.
Again, when voters were asked whom they would support if the elections were held today, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia leads in the Ashanti Region with 73%, followed by former President John Dramani Mahama at 15%, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen at 9%, and Nana Kwame Bediako at 2%.
Notably, 93% of NPP voters in Ashanti backed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, with minimal support for other candidates.
In contrast, the Greater Accra Region showed former President John Dramani Mahama leading with 56%, Dr. Bawumia at 40%, and Nana Kwame Bediako at 4%.
Among NPP voters in Greater Accra, 85% support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, while 11% back former President John Dramani Mahama, indicating a significant split in voter loyalty.
The Global InfoAnalytics poll highlighted the regional disparities in voter perceptions and the challenges facing the NPP in the run-up to the 2024 elections.
The polls suggested that the nomination of Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh, has so far, not delivered improved polling numbers as envisaged by the party in the critical region of Ashanti
Again, while Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh’s nomination has garnered strong support in the Ashanti Region, his unpopularity in Greater Accra poses a strategic challenge for the NPP.
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