Professor Urges NPP to Prioritize Competence Over Regionalism in Choosing Running Mate
Renowned Political Science lecturer, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has advised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prioritize competence over considerations of ethnicity and regionalism when selecting a running mate for Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia.
Professor Gyampo, based at the University of Ghana, underscored the potential negative impact of ethnic and regional considerations on emerging democracies, urging caution in such decision-making processes. This recommendation follows the emergence of various names as potential candidates for the NPP’s running mate position, including Majority Leader of Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, Suame lawmaker Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, and Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, Manhyia South legislator and Minister of Energy.
However, the concern raised by Professor Gyampo revolves around the fact that all three individuals being considered are from the Ashanti region, potentially fostering factionalism in Ghana’s democracy. During an appearance on News Central on TV3, Professor Gyampo stated,
“…He who can partner effectively with the flag bearer. All these names you’ve mentioned are coming from one region, and I’m saying that ethnicity and regionalism are divisive mechanisms that tend to worry the growth of every democracy.”
He emphasized the need to prioritize competence over regional considerations, asserting that the party should not allow ethnicity and regionalism to overly influence their decision-making process. Professor Gyampo maintained that competence should be the primary criterion, especially considering the NPP’s historical battle against stereotypical labels related to ethnicity and regionalism.
“If after looking at all the variables, the person selected comes from the Ashanti region, so be it. But let’s not add ethnicity and regionalism too much because the party in itself is trying to do things that will help it shed that kind of outlook that it has,” he remarked.
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Reiterating his point, Professor Gyampo emphasized that competence should take precedence over regional factors. He urged Dr. Bawumia to choose a running mate based on their ability to work together seamlessly and the competence required to propel both the NPP and the nation forward, should Dr. Bawumia secure the leadership role in the upcoming elections in December next year.