A Political Scientist, Dr Kwasi Amakye-Boateng, has dismissed concerns that Mahamudu Bawumia and Paul Awentami Afoko's northern Ghanaian background could be a hindrance to their leadership roles in the NPP. He made these comments on Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9 FM in Kumasi with Sir John, on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Dr Amakye-Boateng, a Senior Political Science Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), emphasized that the issue would be immaterial if the two were considered capable of contributing to the party’s objectives.
Dr Amakye-Boateng's comments followed a question about possible concerns within the NPP that having Bawumia as flagbearer and Afoko as National Chairman could lead to complaints about both leaders coming from the same broad part of the country. He argued that the NPP’s history shows competence and the ability to contribute to the party have often taken precedence over individuals' specific backgrounds. According to him, the party’s interest should come first when choosing people for leadership positions.
The Political Science lecturer pointed to what he described as an emerging tradition within the NPP of supporting people based on their competence. He cited Bawumia’s own rise within the party as an example, arguing that party members recognised his capacity when they elected him as their presidential candidate. This, he said, demonstrates that the party prioritizes competence over other factors.
Dr Amakye-Boateng also referred to the NPP’s history of diverse leadership to argue that leaders' backgrounds have not prevented the party from bringing different people together around its political objectives. He noted that if opponents have nothing else to criticize, they often resort to trivialities such as regional background.
The NPP is preparing for its October 3, 2026 national executive elections and its broader preparations for the 2028 general election. The party’s chairmanship contest features John Boadu, Sammy Crabbe, Awentami Paul Afoko, and Boakye Agyarko. Dr Amakye-Boateng's comments come at a time when the party is gearing up for these crucial elections.
Ultimately, Dr Amakye-Boateng said Afoko’s return to active politics could give the NPP an opportunity to pursue reconciliation and bring back members who had become disaffected or withdrawn from the party. He emphasized that the party should prioritize its collective aspirations over individual backgrounds.
Dr Amakye-Boateng's assertion is that if Bawumia and Afoko are capable and can contribute to the party's objectives, their northern background should not be an issue. The lecturer's comments were reported by TV3 Ghana.
Key points
- The NPP's history shows that competence and the ability to contribute to the party take precedence over individuals' specific backgrounds.
- Dr Amakye-Boateng cited Bawumia's rise within the party as an example of the NPP's tradition of supporting people based on their competence.
- The NPP is preparing for its October 3, 2026 national executive elections and the 2028 general election.
