The NPP Seeks a Fashionable, Marketable Candidate – Dr. Asah-Asante

Introduction

As Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for the 2028 general elections, political scientist Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante has outlined the key qualities the party should seek in its next presidential candidate. His insights highlight the delicate balance between competence, popularity, and strategic appeal needed to secure victory in Ghana’s competitive political landscape.

Key Points

Background

The NPP has faced significant electoral challenges in recent years, with their performance over the past decade failing to meet expectations. Dr. Asah-Asante emphasizes that the party needs a fundamental shift in its approach to selecting leadership. The political scientist suggests that while competence remains paramount, the candidate must also possess qualities that make them easily marketable to the broader Ghanaian electorate.

Analysis

The Competence Factor

Dr. Asah-Asante stresses that competence should be the primary consideration in selecting the NPP’s flagbearer. He argues that the party needs “somebody who has what it takes to deliver the public good” and can “turn the tables around” after years of underperformance. This focus on competence reflects a pragmatic approach to governance, suggesting that the party recognizes the need for effective leadership beyond mere popularity.

Managing Political Baggage

The political scientist warns against candidates with extensive controversial histories, noting that such baggage could become “raw material for message development and attack on the party.” This insight demonstrates the importance of vetting candidates thoroughly, as past controversies can significantly impact campaign effectiveness and voter trust.

Building a Support Base

Dr. Asah-Asante emphasizes the need for candidates with established constituencies and strong regional support. He points out that factors such as geographical origin, professional background, gender, and religion all play roles in building a winning coalition. While acknowledging that religion may not be the primary factor, he notes that “we are talking about a game of numbers, so numbers are important.”

The Popularity-Competence Balance

While Dr. Asah-Asante acknowledges the importance of popularity, he cautions that “the fact that you are popular doesn’t make you efficient.” He advocates for a balanced approach where popularity is “tied with competence,” creating a candidate who is both effective and easily marketable across Ghana’s diverse regions.

Recovering Lost Voters

One of the most striking revelations is the identification of approximately 1.7 million NPP supporters who didn’t vote in the last election. Dr. Asah-Asante emphasizes that the chosen candidate must be able to “attract all these people back” and motivate them to vote. This represents a significant opportunity for the party to expand its electoral base.

Practical Advice

For NPP Delegates

1. **Conduct Thorough Research**: Evaluate candidates based on concrete data from constituencies and regions rather than relying solely on popularity metrics.

2. **Assess Baggage Carefully**: Review each candidate’s history for potential controversies that could be exploited by opponents.

3. **Consider Geographic Balance**: Ensure the candidate has strong support across different regions of Ghana.

4. **Evaluate Professional Background**: Look for candidates with proven track records in governance or relevant professional experience.

5. **Analyze Support Base**: Consider which candidates have the strongest grassroots support and organizational capabilities.

For Aspiring Candidates

1. **Demonstrate Competence**: Focus on showcasing practical solutions to Ghana’s challenges rather than just political rhetoric.

2. **Build Broad Coalitions**: Work to establish support across different demographic groups and regions.

3. **Manage Public Image**: Address any potential controversies proactively and maintain a clean public record.

4. **Develop Clear Messaging**: Create data-driven campaign messages that resonate with voters’ actual concerns.

5. **Show Commitment**: Demonstrate genuine dedication to winning and serving the nation.

FAQ

Conclusion

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante’s analysis provides a comprehensive framework for the NPP’s candidate selection process ahead of the 2028 elections. His emphasis on balancing competence with marketability, while carefully managing political baggage and building broad support bases, offers practical guidance for delegates and aspiring candidates alike. The identification of 1.7 million lost voters presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the party to expand its electoral reach. Ultimately, success will depend on selecting a candidate who can effectively combine proven competence with broad popular appeal while maintaining a clean public record and strong organizational support.