Executive Director and Head of Global Research at Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwa has said the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Running mate for the just ended 2024 general election was not a politically smart decision.
Speaking on Joy News monitored by Ghanaweb on Friday, December 7, Mussa Dankwa stated that Dr. Opoku Prempeh who served as Minister for Energy until his selection, failed to attract floating voters to vote for the NPP.
He disclosed that even floating voters in the Ashanti Region which is the NPP’s strong hold disliked the outgoing Member of Parliament for Manhyia South.
“We had done work that showed that NAPO will be a problem for the NPP. He was solid among the core base. But this is the base that will come out anyway to vote for you. So, to find somebody who will attract the base I think was really wrong tactical move. They should have gone for somebody who would attract others, and he did not bring anybody outside the NPP. Even the floating voters in Ashanti Region did not like NAPO,” Mussa Dankwa stated.
Meanwhile, following the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, which resulted in a victory for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), NPP vice presidential candidate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, has issued a letter reflecting on the outcome.
In his letter to Ghanaians dated December 11, 2024, NAPO expressed respect for the verdict of the Ghanaian people and acknowledged the need for the NPP to work with the public to address their concerns.
“The 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections resulted in a victory for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This was not the outcome we, in the NPP, envisaged, but we respect the verdict of the Ghanaian people. To Ghanaians, we have heard you clearly, and with humility, we accept. We will work with you to get it right,” the letter read.
He expressed his gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve his party and country and to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP leadership, and supporters for their confidence and support.
“I have had extensive discussions with our flag bearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to reflect on the outcome of the elections and, in good time, we shall reflect further as a political party on the causes of our 2024 election loss,” it added.
NAPO stated that he remains confident that the NPP will emerge stronger and regain the trust and support of Ghanaians.
“As we go into a period of honest introspection and reflection on this electoral verdict, I am confident that we will emerge stronger and bounce back to win the trust, confidence, support, and affection of Ghanaians,” his letter continued.
He concluded by asking for God’s blessings on Ghana and the NPP, expressing hope for resilience and strength in the future.
KA
After the December 2024 polls, there have been security concerns across the country. Catch Etsey Atisu’s interview with security analyst, Adib Saani, on Election Desk on GhanaWeb TV below: