A political science lecturer and analyst Mr. Clement Adu Acheampong has stated that Dr. Bawumia has the opportunity to regain the trust of Ghanaians if he can critically examine his economic track record during his tenure as Vice President.
Speaking on Plan B FM morning show NKOSUONSEM hosted by Obidehye Kofi Sekyi, Mr. Adu Acheampong said that highlighting specific accomplishments and policies that had a positive impact on the economy by Dr. Bawumia can go a long way in reestablishing trust.
He said Bawumia should explain to Ghanaians his role in the government’s economic policies and decisions that led the country to the International Monetary Fund.
“We have often heard rumors that the Vice President wasn’t in agreement with the decision to seek a bailout from the IMF and some other decisions such as taxing mobile money transactions (e-levy).
Again Dr Bawumia should make it clear that he was not always in agreement with the President or other members of the Cabinet, and that he often tried to push for different policies.
The lecturer explained that accountability and transparency is the cornerstone of regaining trust but Dr. Bawumia can pledge to lead a transparent administration with a strong emphasis on accountability.
He stressed that Dr. Bawumia should present well-thought-out economic policies and plans. Articulating a comprehensive vision for the nation’s economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction is essential to convince voters that he has learned from the past experiences and is prepared to lead the country in the right direction.
Meanwhile, a political marketing expert, Prof. Mensah has stated that it would be difficult for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to market Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia because of his low popularity.
The lecturer indicated that the outcome of the presidential primaries has proven that the popularity of Bawumia has dropped.
According to him, the vice president’s legitimacy has declined, while Kennedy’s has increased.
He emphasized that this was the first time the NPP had presented the weakest candidates.
He stated that when comparing the public perception of the candidates who competed in the NPP primaries with the previous ones, “it is not far from the truth to say that these candidates are weak”
He explained that looking at the results shows a certain voter reaction against the leadership of Dr. Bawumia and this is a point the majority of Ghanaians have raised.
“I have also extensively argued that I cannot see how Dr. Bawumia will market himself to Ghanaians judging from the present condition of the economy”, he said.
Prof. Mensah stressed that the results reflected the leadership’s management of the economy.
“It is a clear indication that voters are not happy with this administration, and that is what is reflected in the ballot, although this was an internal election”, he added.
He stated that the Assin Central MP has demonstrated that he has far greater clout within the party.
He added that Kennedy Agyapong has also demonstrated that he is a force to be reckoned with.
The lecturer further said if the party previously did not consider Kennedy Agyapong as a formidable candidate, that view needed to change.
He encouraged the party to position him in a way that would assist in driving the party’s campaign.
In regards to Kennedy Agyapong, he stated, “I believe that many people did not expect him to receive such votes.”
He claimed that Dr. Bawumia, the current presidential candidate, has a low popularity status.
He stated that the second gentleman’s public standing is so poor that it could hurt his prospects of winning the 2024 general election.
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