Political analyst, Mr. Emmanuel Alex Nti, has issued a strong caution to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding the potential dangers of internal power struggles centered on the ethnicity of its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.
The caution follows recent public remarks by Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the former Majority Leader of Parliament.
In a recent interview, Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu revealed that some party elements are insisting the NPP must select an Akan candidate for 2028, citing the party’s traditional support base in Akan-dominated regions.
Commenting on this development, Mr. Alex Nti warned that the party must not permit ethnicity and tribalism to undermine its cohesion and electoral prospects.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Nti asserted that the notion of an “Akan time” for the flagbearership is fundamentally flawed.
”The very fact that he [Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu] disclosed that some party members claim it is the time of an Akan is totally wrong. If the party continues to insist on an ‘Akan time,’ it will significantly weaken the NPP’s ability to campaign and secure votes in non-Akan communities.”
He stressed the importance of the party understanding that the Ghanaian electorate’s voting decisions are based on a complex set of factors.
”Anyone within the NPP making these remarks lacks an understanding of political dynamics in Ghana,” Mr. Nti stated. He urged the party to:
Conduct rigorous scientific research to determine the variables that truly influence Ghanaian voters when selecting a presidential candidate.
The research should establish whether voters base their decision on tribal, religious, or competence-related considerations.
Mr. Nti elaborated: “If their research is able to establish that the majority of Akans are prepared to vote for them, and if that numerical strength is the only determining variable, then I might agree with them. Similarly, if it is established that a candidate’s religious background is the key determinant, I would also concur. But to make a blanket statement that it is the time for an Akan is dangerous and indicates a lack of preparedness to win power in the 2028 general elections. They must conduct scientific research on this matter.”
Mr. Emmanuel Alex Nti further stressed the potential for significant party damage: “Since this is not based on scientific research and appears driven by personal interests, those pushing this agenda could deepen the cracks already evident in the party.”
He reiterated that the selection of a candidate should be based on crucial attributes such as:
a member in good standing, adherence to the philosophy of the NPP and proven competence
…and not on tribalism or ethnicity.
“The moment you introduce the tribal factor, which is not founded on any scientific basis, you risk destroying the NPP. This will inevitably create divisions within the party if they fail to address it decisively,” he warned.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
