The Head of the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana, Professor Alidu Seidu, has voiced concerns regarding the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) ability to effectively promote its running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as Napo, to voters outside the party.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Upfront with Raymond Acquah, Prof. Seidu highlighted the challenges the NPP might face due to Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s perceived arrogance and recent controversial statements about the country’s power challenges.
Prof. Seidu pointed out that Dr. Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as Napo, has been criticized for his perceived arrogance, an image further tarnished by his recent comments on the nation’s power issues, where he seemed dismissive of citizens’ calls for a load-shedding timetable during a period of frequent power outages, commonly referred to as “dumsor.”
“We have just six months to elections. Yes, you can convince the NPP supporters that ‘this is not how Napo is. Few people have worked with Napo and they know that these are perceptions and that Napo is not like that.’ But we the people outside NPP or even people within the party who haven’t fraternised with him, how long will it take them to change their perception?” Prof. Seidu questioned.
He added that many Ghanaians are still upset about the recent power outages, which have severely impacted their work, businesses, and personal lives.
This resentment could hinder efforts to reshape Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s public image in the limited time before the elections.
In response to these concerns, the National Organiser of the NPP and a close associate of Dr. Opoku Prempeh, Henry Nana Boakye, expressed confidence in the party’s ability to counter the negative perceptions.
He emphasized Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s dedication and capability, noting that the party is prepared to roll out a strategy to address the issues raised.
“I have worked closely with him, so for me, I see a lot of confidence in him. I see somebody who is committed and dedicated to his work, I see that he has the energy to always turn things around. As a political party, the ticket must be sold to Ghanaians and that is what we are going to do,” Nana Boakye stated.
tigpost.co
