The History and Political Science Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has underscored the relevance of Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh popularly known as Napo to the New Patriotic Party’s electoral fortunes in the just ended 2024 elections.
In a research finding led by a team of Lecturers at the History and Political Science Department, the findings conclude that Napo brought close to nothing to the party’s successes, rather, he swayed voters who had not yet made up their minds to desist from voting for the NPP, resulting in the party’s abysmal performance in the elections.
Addressing the media, Prof. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi who led the research group stated that Napo must be restricted in his public and media utterances in the future if the party considers him as a viable candidate for any of their mainstream political positions, and guide him in targeted strategies.
He noted, “the study revealed that 85.45% of respondents are aware of Dr. Prempeh’s candidacy.
However, opinions on his influence are divided, with 47.29% believing he negatively impacted the campaign and 32.24% viewing him positively
Satisfaction with Dr. Prempeh’s performance is largely negative, with 36.31% very unsatisfied.”
Prof. Adu Gyamfi however noted that former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum seem to be a preferred choice of running mate amongst the Ghanaian populace as for the NPP as against Napo.
“In contrast, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum is preferred by 53.14% of respondents as the ideal running mate and is seen as having the most positive impact by 58.56%.”
“The findings indicate that while Dr. Prempeh is widely recognized, his candidacy faces significant challenges due to dissatisfaction and mixed perceptions of his impact. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum is perceived as a more favourable choice, suggesting that his proven track record and public appeal could offer strategic advantages for the NPP.
To enhance campaign effectiveness, addressing public dissatisfaction and aligning candidate selection with voter expectations will be crucial for the NPP’s success in the 2024 elections.”
Prof. Adu Gyamfi mentioned further that Napo was not marketable. Neither did he market his candidate positively and so it will be wrong for anyone to object to the science as they have put out and say otherwise.
“These findings are the voices of the respondents. Unless anyone say the Ghanaian voices should be drowned to favor a particular candidate, then this is something the NPP must pay particular attention to in order to be formidable and viable going forward.
The science of the research is what must be looked at and not the edge it gives a particular political personality if it so does.
This research is not to please anybody. It is Ghana first and that is what we will continually project.
This research is something the NPP must go by for their own good; if they do not go by it, they are rejecting science.”
The media engagement was held at the History and Political Science Department at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, KNUST.
It saw in attendance the Ashanti Regional Communication Officer of the New Patriotic Party, Paul Kwabena Yandoh.
Source: Purefmonline.com|| 2025
