Will Ghanaians Back Another Northern Candidate?— KNUST Professor Challenges NPP.
Professor Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, Head of the Department of History and Political Studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has expressed skepticism regarding the electoral prospects of another Northern presidential candidate.
His comments follow the recent election of John Mahama in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking to the media in Kumasi on Monday, Professor Adu-Gyamfi noted that his doubts are rooted in the very rhetoric used by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during the 2024 campaign.
“Northern Door” Dilemma:
According to Professor Adu-Gyamfi, Dr. Bawumia’s previous campaign arguments may now serve as a political hurdle.
He recalled that during the 2024 electioneering period, Dr. Bawumia urged the electorate to vote for him by suggesting that a defeat would effectively “shut the door” on Northern candidates for the foreseeable future.
“During the 2024 campaign, Dr. Bawumia argued that if Ghanaians did not mandate him, it would signal a closing of the door to any Northern candidate in subsequent elections,” Professor Adu-Gyamfi stated.
The KNUST Professor said, “Unless Dr. Bawumia can effectively reconcile his current ambitions with his past rhetoric, his quest for the NPP mandate remains fundamentally problematic.”
The Professor emphasized the need for political accountability, insisting that leaders must be held to the principles they publicly espouse.
“If the NPP wishes to be taken seriously, its leaders must demonstrate consistency and integrity in both word and deed,” he added.
Popularity and Electability Concerns:
Beyond matters of principle, Professor Adu-Gyamfi raised concerns regarding Dr. Bawumia’s broader appeal.
He cited a departmental survey conducted within the Oforikrom constituency, which indicated that Dr. Bawumia’s popularity remains largely confined to the NPP internal structure.
He argued that this poses a significant risk for the party.
“If the NPP elects a flagbearer who lacks resonance with the wider national electorate, their prospects for a future victory appear bleak”, Prof Adu-Gyamfi stated.
Road to January 31st:
Looking ahead to the NPP flagbearer election scheduled for January 31st, Professor Adu-Gyamfi welcomed the competitive nature of the race.
He noted that the contest presents the party with a critical choice, either maintain its current trajectory or pivot toward a fresh face.
He observed that NPP delegates are likely to prioritize “electability”—choosing a candidate with the strongest potential to attract the general voting public.
“I foresee a fiercely contested election on January 31st,” the Professor concluded.
He said, “I urge the police and all stakeholders to ensure the process is transparent and that the true will of the delegates is reflected in the final result so that the five flag-bearer aspirants in the persons of Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Dr Bryan Acheampong, Ing Kwabena Agyepong, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and Dr Bawumia would not feel cheated”.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.
