A senior lecturer at the Department of History and Political Studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr Kwasi Amakye-Boateng, has described former Member of Parliament for Assin Central and 2024 presidential hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, as an “achiever” whose unmatched record in job creation sets him apart from all presidential aspirants in the Fourth Republic.
Speaking in an interview with Nana Kwame Adjei Bohyen on Angel FM Kumasi (96.1), Dr Amakye-Boateng noted that since the era of Jerry John Rawlings, no single candidate from either the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has contributed to employment creation on the scale achieved by Agyapong.
“When you assess all presidential aspirants from the NDC and NPP since the Rawlings era, none comes close to Kennedy Agyapong in terms of job creation,” he asserted. What is even more remarkable is that Ken is not the richest among them, yet he has consistently chosen to invest in Ghana. His ability to absorb large numbers of the youth through employment is mind-boggling and there for all to see,” he said.
The KNUST lecturer emphasised that such practical impact, especially in a country grappling with unemployment, should weigh heavily in leadership selection processes. He noted that some leaders, despite their academic brilliance, have struggled to apply their knowledge effectively to solve Ghana’s economic problems.
Questionable Decisions
Dr Amakye-Boateng questioned the rationale behind fielding a candidate again after a decisive electoral defeat. “In the 2024 presidential elections, it is clear that Dr Bawumia came last,” he stated. “Democracy is about majority rule. No democratic nation is ruled by the minority. You cannot lose abysmally and still insist on being presented again as the party’s best hope,” he added.
He argued that if the NPP’s flagbearer contest is reduced to a mere cycle of repetition based on past trials, then the party risks abandoning principles of meritocracy and rational political strategy.
Historical Precedents
Drawing on political history, Dr Amakye-Boateng referenced the case of Prof Albert Adu-Boahen, the NPP’s first flagbearer in the Fourth Republic, who, after securing 31% of the votes in the 1992 elections, was not re-nominated.
“The party made a realistic decision. Though Adu-Boahen broke the culture of silence and was a pioneering force, the NPP understood that changing dynamics required a different face for future elections,” he explained.
Similarly, he pointed to the experience of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who, after losing the 1996 general elections, was given another opportunity in 2000 because of his growing appeal and strong performance within the party. “It was not automatic. It was based on sound political calculation,” Dr Amakye-Boateng said.
Bawumia’s Northern Appeal
Touching on regional dynamics, Dr Amakye-Boateng argued that Dr Bawumia’s performance in the Northern Region—his home base—was underwhelming and should prompt an honest conversation within the NPP.
“We must ask ourselves how he performed in his own backyard. If the Northern vote didn’t rally strongly behind him, then it signals a deeper issue with his national appeal,” he said. He urged the party to move beyond sentimental attachments and assess candidates through the lens of electability and regional strength.
Akufo-Addo’s Three Attempts
The political historian also reflected on former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s resilience and eventual victory in 2016 after three consecutive attempts.
According to Dr Amakye-Boateng, Akufo-Addo’s rising popularity and impressive regional performances over the years justified the party’s continued backing.
“It was not about entitlement. The numbers, the sentiment, and the improving support across the country guided the party’s decision to stick with him,” he said.
Unity, Fairness Ahead of 2028
Dr Amakye-Boateng further urged the NPP to ensure fairness, unity, and strategic thinking as it prepares to elect its next flagbearer.
“We must avoid intimidation and embrace divergent views. The party’s internal democracy should not be a charade. Ghanaians are discerning. We need a leader with integrity, national appeal, and a clear record of achievement,” he emphasised.
He added, “The NPP cannot afford to gamble with its future. The stakes are too high. The choice of the next flagbearer must be grounded in logic, performance, and realism—not recycled entitlement.”
About Dr Amakye-Boateng
Dr Kwasi Amakye-Boateng is a respected Ghanaian academic and political analyst who currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of History and Political Studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). His intellectual contributions and public engagements have made him a prominent voice in Ghana’s political discourse, especially on matters concerning democratic governance, electoral politics, and party dynamics.
Dr Amakye-Boateng holds a Ph.D. in African Studies from the University of Ghana, Legon, which he completed in July 2016. Prior to that, he earned an M.Phil. in Political Science from the University of Tromsø in Norway in 1997.
His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Russian from the University of Ghana, Legon in 1989, followed by another Bachelor’s degree in Public Politics and Administration from the University of Tromsø in 1994. This diverse academic background reflects a rich foundation in both African and European perspectives on politics, language, and governance.
Before joining KNUST, Dr Amakye-Boateng taught at the Ghana Institute of Journalism, where he contributed to training the next generation of journalists and communicators. At KNUST, he has played a pivotal role not only in teaching but also in academic administration. He has served on several important committees within the university, including the Admissions Requirements Committee, the Admissions Committee, the Welfare Committee, and the Course Restructuring Committee. His involvement in these roles demonstrates his commitment to shaping policy and maintaining academic excellence within the institution.
Dr Amakye-Boateng’s research interests focus on democracy and political development, particularly in the Ghanaian context. He has worked on various research projects exploring themes such as democratisation, state legitimacy, electoral violence, and the media’s role in democratic processes. His current research examines the relationship between democratisation and state legitimacy in Ghana.
Over the years, he has authored or co-authored at least thirteen scholarly publications, covering topics such as feminism, the illicit drug trade, public health, energy studies, and Ghana’s post-colonial political development.
Beyond the lecture hall, Dr Amakye-Boateng is widely known for his independent and critical political commentary. He frequently appears on radio and television programs to share insights on national issues, especially during election seasons. His analysis is often grounded in historical and institutional knowledge, and he is known for speaking candidly on the strengths and shortcomings of Ghana’s political actors, regardless of party affiliation.
Dr Kwasi Amakye-Boateng’s scholarly work, public advocacy, and deep understanding of Ghana’s political landscape continue to influence both academia and national dialogue. He remains a voice of reason and principle in Ghana’s democratic journey, advocating for evidence-based decision-making, internal party democracy, and leadership grounded in competence and performance.
