Senior Lecturer at Kumasi Technical University, Johnson Addai-Asante, has expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the “Bawumia for 24” campaign, stating that many Ghanaians have already made up their minds ahead of the elections.
He believes that despite the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) efforts to promote their achievements—particularly the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy—public opinion is unlikely to change.
The “Bawumia for 24” campaign was officially launched last Friday in Kumasi by the NPP, with Education Minister Yaw Osei Adutwum serving as the campaign coordinator.
In an interview with Kojo Marfo on Abusua Nkommo on Abusua 96.5 FM, Addai-Asante explained that the NPP’s major campaign message revolves around the Free SHS policy, which likely influenced the choice of the Education Minister as campaign coordinator. However, he questioned the impact of this strategy.
“The NPP’s campaign trump card is Free Education. They believe that is where they can garner more votes, so they are trying to make it a topical issue. It is not that Matthew Opoku Prempeh isn’t performing—he is actually demonstrating his capabilities—but the NPP wants to showcase their achievements to voters,” Addai-Asante explained.
He went on to say that no amount of campaign efforts, regardless of the personalities involved, will sway voters’ decisions, as many have already made up their minds.
“Some people have already decided since 2022, and nothing can change their minds. People are fed up. For example, if you visit new construction sites, you will notice that people have halted their projects. Take the price of double-axle chipboards: in 2019, it was GH¢1,700, but when I inquired about the same product two months ago, the price had skyrocketed to GH¢4,200,” he stated.
Addai-Asante also emphasized that elections in Ghana tend to favor incumbents due to their control over resources.
“In Africa, particularly in Ghana, elections are won by incumbents, not the opposition. The opposition lacks the resources; it is the government of the day that has the resources to run a campaign. But if people are fed up with the government, they will lose.”
The lecturer further added that Ghanaians, especially those in the Ashanti Region, are disappointed with the current government. “With only two months to the election, there is little evidence to suggest that the people are rallying behind the NPP,” he concluded.
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