Prof. Samuel Adu Gyamfi, a political scientist at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has expressed skepticism about the electoral value that former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia brings to the party.
In an interview with Oyerepa TV monitored by Kumasimail, Prof. Gyamfi stated that Dr. Bawumia does not contribute significant voter numbers to the NPP based on past election performances.
When asked what Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy offers the NPP, especially given his long-standing presence in Ghanaian politics since 2008.
Prof. Gyamfi was unambiguous, “I am sorry to let you know that in terms of the multi-party democracy and elections now, he doesn’t bring anything in terms of the numbers unless he gets the opportunity to market himself to the good people of Ghana through rebranding.”
He pointed to the eight years Dr. Bawumia served alongside former President Nana Akufo-Addo, which culminated in a substantial defeat in the 2024 elections by over two million votes, a margin of 41.61%.
“It is clear in the minds of Ghanaians, clear in the minds of NPP followership, very clear in their mind,” Prof. Gyamfi stressed, highlighting that this electoral setback remains fresh in voters’ memories.
Prof. Adu Gyamfi also emphasized that Dr. Bawumia’s ability to reverse the NPP’s fortunes hinges heavily on the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) faltering in governance.
“If the NDC should perform even averagely, the next candidate that will emerge on the ticket of NDC will win over Bawumia fair and square,” he warned, urging the public not to be deceived into thinking the race will be an easy one for the NPP.
He cautioned against assuming that mere familiarity with Dr. Bawumia’s image translates to electoral advantage, calling such assumptions an insult to Ghanaian voters.
“The argument that his picture has been shown to the people for a very long time so the people will recall him, that’s an insult,” he declared.
“I’ll plead, journalists should stop. You see, when you push that narrative, I feel Ghanaians are being insulted.”
He explained that the 2024 election loss was driven by economic dissatisfaction rather than a lack of interest in the NPP.
“We should stop that someone is well marketed. Well marketed on which basis? Because Ghanaians went into an election and voted against the NPP on the basis of the economy, not because Ghanaians felt they have no interest for NPP and prefer NDC.”
Source :www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
