Researchers from the History and Political Science Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have questioned the relevance of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) electoral fortunes in the recently concluded 2024 elections.
A delayed research study conducted in 2024, led by a team of Senior lecturers from the department, concluded that Napo contributed little to the party’s success.
Instead, he deterred undecided voters from supporting the NPP, which ultimately resulted in the party’s poor electoral performance.
Addressing the media, Prof. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, who led the research team, emphasized that if the NPP considers Napo a viable candidate for any future mainstream political position, the party must restrict his public and media utterances and guide him with targeted strategies.
He counsel the party and Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh handless to ensure he speak to script in all his public function engagement including media appearance.
He disclosed that ahead of the election 2024 electorates contacted during the research period positioned Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum as intelligent person.
“The study revealed that 85.45% of respondents were aware of Dr. Prempeh’s candidacy. However, opinions on his influence were divided, with 47.29% believing he was negatively impacting the campaign and 32.24% viewing him positively.
Satisfaction with Dr. Prempeh’s performance was largely negative, with 36.31% of respondents being very dissatisfied,” Prof. Adu-Gyamfi noted.
The research also indicated that former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, appeared to be the preferred choice for running mate among the Ghanaian populace compared to Napo.
“In contrast, 53.14% of respondents preferred Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum as the ideal running mate, and 58.56% viewed him as having the most positive impact,” Prof. Adu-Gyamfi stated.
He further explained that while Dr. Prempeh is widely recognized, his candidacy faces significant challenges due to public dissatisfaction and mixed perceptions regarding his influence.
Meanwhile, Dr. Adutwum is perceived as a more favorable choice, with his proven track record and public appeal offering strategic advantages to the NPP.
“To enhance campaign effectiveness, the NPP must address public dissatisfaction and align candidate selection with voter expectations. This will be crucial for their success in future elections,” he added.
Prof. Adu-Gyamfi also asserted that Napo was not marketable and did not promote his candidacy positively. He stressed that disregarding the research findings would be a mistake.
“These findings reflect the voices of the respondents. Unless one believes that the opinions of Ghanaians should be ignored to favor a particular candidate, the NPP must take this research seriously to remain formidable and viable moving forward.
The science behind this research should be the focus, not the advantage or disadvantage it may present to any political personality. This study is not designed to please anyone—it is about prioritizing Ghana, and that is what we will continue to uphold.
For the NPP’s own good, they must adhere to these findings. If they choose to ignore them, they are rejecting science,” he concluded.
The media engagement took place at the History and Political Science Department of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at KNUST.
The media briefing was attended by senior Journalist including news editors and some political radio and Television talk show host in Kumasi
Source: www.starrfm.com.gh /Isaac justice Bediako
