Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director and Head of Research at Global InfoAnalytics, has issued a stark warning regarding the NPP’s potential to elect Bernard Antwi Boasiako, affectionately known as Chairman Wontumi, as its National Chairman while he remains incarcerated. His assessment underscores a fundamental shift in the NPP’s political strategy, positioning it as a viable option for a broader electorate, a position which, according to Dankwah, is fundamentally flawed given the current circumstances.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Mr. Dankwah delivered a profoundly critical perspective, asserting that electing Wontumi from prison would be an insurmountable obstacle to the NPP’s electoral ambitions. He contends that the party must prioritize rebuilding its electoral fortunes, not engaging in a politically charged statement through a chairman serving a sentence. ‘I don’t think he will win,’ Dankwah stated emphatically, ‘because the NPP needs a strategic direction. They need to find a way to win the next election. Electing Wontumi from prison will not make that possible. They should be realistic about these things.’
This sentiment is rooted in a significant shift in Ghana’s electorate, a growing proportion of voters exhibiting markedly elevated levels of education, according to the latest poll by the polling firm. According to the pollster, the changing demographic profile necessitates a political strategy that resonates with a wider, more sophisticated electorate. ‘Polling shows that the majority of Ghanaian voters are highly educated now,’ Dankwah explained. ‘Nearly 70% of them have senior high and above qualifications.’
The implications of this evolving voter base, Dankwah argues, demand a radical reassessment of the NPP’s approach. He highlights the existing support deficit among elite voters, warning that this could severely hinder the party’s ability to regain momentum in the constituency where Wontumi is currently contesting the leadership position. ‘This is a dramatic change in the political landscape,’ Dankwah stated, emphasizing the potential for a completely new political paradigm. ‘The polls are already showing that the NPP has lost their elite voters.’
Furthermore, Dankwah maintained that the NPP’s current approach to the election, centering on electing Wontumi from prison, is demonstrably detrimental to the party’s long-term prospects. He cautioned that it risks attracting a significant portion of the elite electorate, potentially diminishing the party’s ability to win back this crucial constituency. ‘This is a significant controversy within the party,’ Dankwah added. ‘The political situation has fundamentally changed in this country. And these are the people who want a new type of politics. And already, the polls are showing that the NPP has lost their elite voters.’
The controversy surrounding Wontumi’s candidacy, particularly his decision to contest the leadership position despite his incarceration, further complicates the situation. His campaign team has already initiated nomination procedures, creating a potentially contentious contest over his eligibility and the broader implications of his bid. Mr. Dankwah’s assessment underscores a critical juncture for the NPP, demanding a renewed focus on identifying a leadership direction capable of broadening appeal and restoring trust among voters before the next electoral contest. The party’s immediate priority, he suggests, is to develop a strategic framework that can revitalize its political standing and rebuild its standing within the electorate following its recent defeat in the 2024 general election.
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Source: Adom Online
