Asantehene charges NAPO to serve in humility

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July 9, 2024
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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed unwavering confidence in the NPP running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as “NAPO”.

Affirming his dedication and commitment, the Asantehene expressed the belief that the NPP running mate will not give Dr Bawumia any cause to regret his decision of nominating him.

The Asantehene made the remarks yesterday after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Dr. Bawumia and officials of the NPP had officially introduced NAPO to him at a durbar of chiefs at the Manhyia Palace.

The King said he has a deep understanding of Dr. Prempeh’s journey and their shared history. He, therefore, urged the Minister of Energy to prove himself worthy of the trust placed in him.

“I have spoken to Napo, my son, behind closed doors, and counseled him well. But let me tell you [Napo] in public that don’t let Dr. Bawumia regret his decision in choosing you,” Otumfuo advised.

He added: “Go and serve Dr. Bawumia with humility, loyalty and dedication. Listen to his directives, and obey him at all times. What I have told you behind closed doors is what I am repeating to you in public. Be humble, and serve Dr. Bawumia well”.

The King also reminded Dr. Prempeh about his roots and the importance of honour, discipline and service.

He entrusted NAPO in the care of Dr. Bawumia, and urged the duo to work together diligently.

“As you work together, whenever there is some disagreement, don’t hesitate to inform me so I can scold him behind closed doors,” he told Dr. Bawumia.

The King expressed his gratitude to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP for supporting Napo in his political journey.

He used to the occasion to counsel political actors in the country to be decorous in their campaigns. He also urged them to assist the electorate to make informed decisions on the kind of policies and programmes they intend to introduce when elected into office.

For his part, President Akufo-Addo recounted how the Manhyia South lawmaker had contributed meaningfully to his government.

He was very confident that the pair, Dr. Bawumia and NAPO, would not disappoint Ghanaians when given the chance to serve them.

“NAPO has served me with humility and all his might. I strongly believe that with the task he has been entrusted with, he will execute it diligently. I know his strength and what he brings on board. I am confident that he, together with Dr. Bawumia, will uplift Ghana to greater heights,” he said.

He told the Asantehene that he was very proud of the achievements of his grandson, highlighting the role he had also played in Napo’s political journey.

“I can confidently tell you, Otumfuo, that I have contributed a lot to the political life of your grandson. When we came to power first, I entrusted him with executing the Free SHS policy. I knew why I did that, and he never disappointed me.

“He executed the policy to the admiration of all. Today, Free SHS is being hailed everywhere. I also know that what Bawumia has assigned him to do; he will do it diligently,” the President added.

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Politics

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October 8, 2024
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3 minutes Read

Bawumia has disarmed NDC’s ethnocentric strategy- Kwabena Agyepong

Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Senior Campaign Advisor to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has stated that Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy has effectively disarmed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), neutralizing the party’s ethnocentric campaign strategy.

In an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Mr. Agyepong explained that the NDC had historically relied on an ethnically charged narrative to portray the NPP as an “Akan party” in an effort to win over voters, particularly from the northern regions and Zongo communities. However, he said, this narrative had been significantly disrupted with the election of Dr. Bawumia, Northerner and Muslim, as the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer.

According to Agyepong, Dr. Bawumia’s selection signalled a new chapter in Ghanaian politics, where ethnicity and religion no longer defined party allegiance. He noted that Dr Bawumia’s candidacy exemplified the NPP’s commitment to inclusivity and national unity, moving beyond traditional ethnic lines.

“This is the first time in Ghana’s political history that the NPP has selected a Northern Muslim as its flagbearer, and this has completely disarmed the NDC’s ethnocentric propaganda, which they have used to great effect since the 1980s,” Mr. Agyepong noted.

He pointed out that, for decades, the NDC had leaned on the historical Alien Compliance Order and similar events to foster ethnic divisions, accusing the NPP of marginalizing people from northern Ghana. With Dr. Bawumia leading the NPP, Mr Agyepong believes the opposition’s main weapon has been taken away.

“I’m pretty confident that we may surprise a few in Accra. For the first time, electing Dr. Bawumia has disarmed the NDC of their most potent propaganda weapon. Since 1982, they have been masters in ethnocentric campaigns, labeling the NPP as an Ashanti or Akan party. But now, that message has no foundation,” he emphasised.

Mr Agyepong further recalled how NDC members, including its General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, doubted whether the NPP would ever allow Dr. Bawumia to lead, due to his background. “Their candidate publicly questioned whether Dr. Bawumia would be given the nod, saying the NPP was an ‘Akan party’ that would never allow a Northerner to lead. But the party thought otherwise, and voted overwhelmingly for Dr Bawumia, with 61% of the vote. Now, the NDC is struggling to find a coherent message,” he remarked.

Despite the challenges the NPP faces, including internal divisions, Mr. Agyepong expressed confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2024 general elections. He highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s leadership as a unifying force that strengthens the party’s appeal, particularly in swing regions such as Greater Accra.

He also noted the NPP’s growing influence in traditionally NDC-dominated areas, stating, “We’re now fighting them on their turf, in areas we previously didn’t have a strong presence. Our grassroots support is very strong, and with Bawumia at the helm, we are positioned to win over voters in regions where the NPP was once less competitive.”

Politics

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October 5, 2024
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2 minutes Read

NPP PCs urged to spend at least 4 days weekly in constituencies

The leadership of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a directive mandating all its parliamentary candidates to spend a “minimum of four days per week” in their respective constituencies to strengthen their campaign efforts ahead of the upcoming December 7 general elections.

According to the press statement issued by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong on Friday, October 4, the party has observed that some parliamentary candidates are not consistently present in their constituencies.

It said that the lack of engagement raises concerns about the potential impact on the party’s performance in both presidential and parliamentary elections.

“You should know that this lack of engagement would significantly affect our electoral fortunes in both presidential and parliamentary elections,” part of the statement read.

In light of this, the party has taken the matter seriously and expects all parliamentary candidates to dedicate sufficient time to engage with constituents.

The party has also directed regional campaign teams to monitor and report on the activities of the candidates.

“The regional campaign teams are hereby directed to submit weekly reports of the activities of their parliamentary candidates to the National Secretariat. We trust in your usual attention and cooperation in this matter,” the statement added.