By King Amoah
As the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for the approaching elections, a swell of concern is arising from its grassroots supporters, particularly in the Ashanti Region.
Activists are calling for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, affectionately known as “Napo,” the party’s running mate for the presidential candidate, to reassess his public statements and campaign tactics.
The sentiment among these supporters according to interviews is that Napo’s recent conduct may jeopardize the NPP’s chances of re-election.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh recently stirred controversy with remarks suggesting that President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government has outperformed the legacy of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah.
This statement, perceived as an affront to a figure revered in Ghanaian history, quickly backfired.
Faced with backlash, Napo was compelled to retract his statement and apologized to the Ghanaian public—a move seen as too little, too late by many party loyalists.
Supporters in Kumasi have voiced their frustration over Napo’s incendiary rhetoric, particularly his comments urging Asanteman to abstain from supporting the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
His assertion that individuals casting their votes for the NDC would be “state wreckers” further inflamed tensions, and many believe it could alienate potential voters rather than galvanize support for the NPP.
Npp activists argue that if Napo lacks constructive messages to share with Ghanaians, it may be time for the party’s executives to intervene.
“We are Npp activists and we feel that if Napo has nothing to tell Ghanaians, he needs to sit down,” expressed one supporter during an interview in Kumasi.
They implore that he should focus on presenting viable solutions to the pressing national issues such as illegal mining (“galamsey”), inflation, rampant youth unemployment, and infrastructural deficits rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric.
The supporters emphasize the critical need for the party to communicate effectively and positively with the electorate.
They assert that voters are looking for practical solutions, not incendiary comments that serve only to deepen political divides.
With the elections on December 7 looming, the pressure for Napo and other party leaders to align their messaging to resonate with their constituents has never been more urgent.
As Napo prepares for his campaign excursions, the call for prudence in his public engagements is loud and clear.
The supporters assert that, rather than inciting negativity around opposition parties, it would be more beneficial for him to articulate how the NPP plans to tackle the issues at hand.
This, they argue, will not only bolster the party’s image but also reassure the electorate of the NPP’s commitment to Ghana’s progress
In conclusion, the NPP’s ability to rally support in the upcoming elections will greatly depend on how effectively they can shift the narrative from personal attacks and legacy comparisons to an agenda focused on unity and pragmatic solutions.
The party’s future may hinge on the words of its leaders, making it essential for figures like Dr. Opoku Prempeh to navigate the political landscape with caution and responsibility.
The call for mature, positive campaigning is not just a plea but a necessity if the NPP hopes to secure electoral victory come December. 7,2024
