Election is not about popularity - If you're incompetent, you're incompetent - UG lecturer
Political science lecturer at the University of Ghana Dr Kwame Asah-Asante
Political science lecturer at the University of Ghana Dr Kwame Asah-Asante has cautioned that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) must prioritize competence over popularity or long-standing visibility as it prepares for its 2026 presidential primaries.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM on June 24, 2025, Dr Asah-Asante argued that the ability to understand and address Ghana’s economic challenges should be the defining trait of the party’s next flagbearer, not how often a candidate has contested or how well-known they are.
“You can be an old guy who has contested many times and is well known, but if you are incompetent, you are incompetent, if you don’t have the support of the people, you don’t have them, myjoyonline.com quoted him as saying.
His remarks were in response to assertions from some supporters of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who argue that candidates with prior exposure are easier to market to the electorate.
But Dr Asah-Asante dismissed such claims, insisting that electoral success should be grounded in substance, not name recognition.
“Political success is not built on repetition, but on relevance, strategy, and the ability to offer solutions. What the people want is someone who understands the economy not a propagandist with clever positioning,” he added.
According to him, the 2026 NPP presidential race which is expected to feature key contenders such as Dr Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Bryan Acheampong, and Dr Yaw Adutwum will ultimately come down to which candidate can demonstrate a credible grasp of Ghana’s pressing issues and articulate a convincing path forward.
He emphasised that beyond individual appeal, what will determine the party’s next leader is a strong track record, effective communication, and strategic alignment with the needs and aspirations of Ghanaians.
“The records, the strategy, and the messaging that resonates with voters will separate the chaff from the real input,” he concluded.
AM/KA
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