The Friends of Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, a group supporting the former Education Minister’s political ambitions, have criticised broadcast journalist and media commentator Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah over his endorsement of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, as the preferred running mate to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
In a statement, the group described the journalist’s endorsement as “hypocritical, self-serving and lacking credibility,” questioning his consistency and moral authority in the ongoing debate over who should partner Dr. Bawumia in the next general election.
According to the group, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah has previously made critical remarks about Dr. Bawumia on various media platforms, allegedly describing him as an “empty” leader and questioning his competence and political appeal.
The group argued that the journalist’s past criticisms make his current endorsement of Dr. Opoku Prempeh difficult to reconcile with his position on the NPP flagbearer.
“Having consistently attacked and undermined Dr. Bawumia in the past, he cannot suddenly position himself as a credible voice on who should be chosen to complement the flagbearer,” the statement said.
The group maintained that Dr. Adutwum, a former Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, is better positioned to serve as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate.
It cited his record in public service, educational reforms, appeal among young people and perceived ability to expand the party’s electoral support as key reasons for its preference.
The group further described Dr. Adutwum as a candidate with the intellectual capacity, national appeal and unifying qualities needed to energise the NPP’s support base and attract undecided voters.
It also questioned Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s performance during his time in government, arguing that his tenure in key ministerial positions was characterised by controversies and policy challenges that attracted public criticism.
According to the group, his performance did not deliver the transformative results many Ghanaians had expected from the sectors he oversaw.
“We believe Dr. Bawumia deserves a running mate who can inspire confidence, attract floating voters and project competence, innovation and humility. In our view, that person is Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum,” the statement added.
The group called on NPP delegates, party supporters and opinion leaders to prioritise competence, electability and national appeal in determining the party’s vice-presidential candidate, rather than being influenced by media endorsements and campaigns for particular individuals.
Spokesperson for the Friends of Hon. Osei Adutwum, Kwasi Antwi, said the selection of a running mate should be guided by the candidate’s potential to improve the party’s chances of winning the next general election.
He cautioned against allowing the personal preferences and political calculations of media personalities to dominate discussions on the matter.
“The choice of a running mate is too important to be reduced to propaganda and personality-driven endorsements. The NPP must prioritise merit, performance and winning potential, and Dr. Adutwum stands head and shoulders above the rest,” Mr. Antwi said.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
