Journalist Gordon Asare-Bediako has waded into the New Patriotic Party (NPP) controversy over who becomes the next flagbearer for the party.
As the party gathers momentum to contest the 2024 Presidential elections in hope of winning the seat of government again, a fierce campaign has already begun as the party faithful tick the right candidate to lead the party into the elections in the offing.
Two big names, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, have cropped up with some party folks rooting for Dr. Bawumia while others also vouch for Alan Kyerematen.
However, there are arguments that the NPP has had two Akan Presidential candidates and so giving the flagbearer position to Dr. Bawumia would be a fine opportunity to remove the Akan tag on the party as some political disciples are of the impression that the NPP will never accept any person not of Akan origin to hold the flagbearer position.
One of such people within the NPP who believes Dr. Bawumia is the right candidate is the Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.
Hon Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu recently says it will be unwise for the NPP to choose an Akan flagbearer again.
“Inwardly, I know also have the competence but is it wise for me now immediately after two Akans; Kufour had been the president, Akufo-Addo follows from the Eastern Region and there is a third Akan to follow? Doing introspection, I think it may not hold well for a party that is accused by some as being overly Akanistic party. But not everybody agrees with me. And that is the beauty of democracy,” he maintained.
But the Majority Leader, who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame constituency, has been severely lambasted over what has been termed as his ''non-Akan'' flagbearer comment.
Some members and supporters of the party have described Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu as a big foe of Mr. Alan Kyerematen among other criticisms directed at him.
Jumping into the seeming fray over the NPP flagbearership is a Journalist with the New Crusading Guide, Gordon Asare-Bediako who has called out the hypocrisy of the NPP leadership and members.
According to Gordon Asare-Bediako, it is important for the NPP to extinguish its ethnic biases saying the ''NPP has the brightest opportunity to shake off the unfortunate Akan party tag without sacrificing competence and loyalty''.
He backed the call by Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stressing, ''choosing Bawumia is not doing him or people from Northern part of Ghana a favour, it is not because of where he comes from, it is proving that the party is NOT what its detractors say it is; it is demonstrating the party recognises how lucky it is to attract people of stellar qualities from diverse backgrounds; and it is deepening the roots of the party in hitherto unchartered grounds''.
Gordon Asare-Bediako argued in a Facebook post on Saturday, April 10.
Read his full post below:
When John Mahama as President was flying the dangerous and nation-wrecking tribal card, I didn't see the so-called Neutrals scold him.
In fact, they gave it oxygen in their social media posts and interactions.
I'm even not sure I heard NPP big wigs take him on publicly, but in their quiet moments, they were worried about that negative tag.
It's the height of hypocrisy, not naivety that where a person comes from plays a critical role in our body politick.
That may not be ideal but that's the reality.
NPP has the brightest opportunity to shake off the unfortunate Akan party tag without sacrificing competence and loyalty.
Choosing Bawumia is not doing him or people from Northern part of Ghana a favour, it is not because of where he comes from, it is proving that the party is NOT what its detractors say it is; it is demonstrating the party recognises how lucky it is to attract people of stellar qualities from diverse backgrounds; and it is deepening the roots of the party in hitherto unchartered grounds.
Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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. .and did Hilary Clinton win the Presidential election?
The Vice President Bawumia had performed remarkably well in Akufo-Addo's Administration. And that puts him (Bawumia) in a more favorable position than any other candidate. To continue the good job of Nana's Administration. If indeed, the NPP is going to contest for re-election on the grounds of the exemplary performance and good leadership of Nana and his Vice President Bawumia, it is then, only proper to consider Bawumia's ticket. The question is, why should in this crucial moment in the political campaign anyone finds it appropriate to skip a hardworking Bawumia who had consistently made his mark? I'm of the opinion that, in democracy, automatic order of positions should be discounted, but the effects of hierarchy which merit good leadership and competence must be regarded for future positions. But, given the current favorable constellation of the hierarchy in Nana's administration for the Vice President Bawumia, if anyone does not find it too dicey to contest him, it is up to the individual and his democratic right to choose to do so or not.
The habit to groom people for leaderdhip is very beneficial. It prepares them psycologically and socially to fit the job. The two Presidents of NPP have made very significant impact in Ghana politics because they were adewuately prepared. Ghana is considered one of the best democies in the world at the eras of Nana Addo and President Kufour. It very well considere even in international circles that Mahama administration is one of the most corrupt in Ghana. It happened so because he was not adequately prepared. Ghanaians and NPP must think of a long term plan to to lead Ghana with a handful of best presidential materials. Bawumiah is good to lead Ghana, but he has to wait like Joe Biden who waited after Hillary. Alan has the all it takes to win another presidency for NPP if he gets the support from the big and small, old and young in the party. He is very well measured in mind and speech. He has the ability to adjust to conditions to build concesus, while he can be very firm. He is humble andvrespectful not used to vulgar laguages like Mahama. Hi is capable to make friends with his opponents and reconciles with opposition. Both Bawumiah and Alan have worked very hard in Nana Addo Administration but Bawumiah would be eadily identified as 3rd term of Nana Addo. Alan cadidacy might reduce that nation. Internationally Alan has build a strong linkage in the world trade network which we need today for the progress of the nation. He has the capacitty and a clear mind to get right negotiatiobs to get a good deal for the nations economy. Ghana need more of an Trade and Economic government and not just a political one to sustain and grow the nation from where Nana Addo would leave behind. Bawumia can still contest the flagbearership but it would be the best for him to take a rest having been with Nana for two terms. He needs to plan and develop his own brand for the presidency. We dont want him to become another Mahama who entered the arena of the presidency unprepared. Alan has launched his brand since Kufour's time and it is well resounded with many Ghanaians.
Well, Honorable Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu might be from the view-point of political party organizational strategy very correct and worth considering for addressing the tribal incoherency in the party structures, if you like. But I think the platform for those remarks was not appropriate. That notwithstanding, it is equally very important to bring to the fore, and as lief recall, the competence of the candidates. And I bet, the names popping up so far have the remarkable competence. The Vice President clearly stands tall among them and the combination of any two of them would be terrific.