Legon Lecturers and Professionals for Ken (LLPK), a group affiliated with Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, have recommended that the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, should select Kennedy as his running mate for the 2024 elections.
The decision, according to the lecturers, was made during an emergency meeting held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the University of Ghana campus.
"At its recent emergency meeting on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the University of Ghana campus, the Legon Lecturers and Professionals for Ken (LLPK) strongly recommended Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong as the running mate to Dr. Bawumia," part of a June 24, 2024, press statement by the group said.
The LLPK's recommendation is based on nine key factors, highlighting Agyapong's potential to enhance the NPP's chances in the forthcoming elections.
Here are the nine qualities the lecturers cited as reasons for Bawumia to choose Kennedy Agyapong as his running mate:
1. They believe that with approximately six months remaining until the December 7 polls, the NPP needs a candidate who can be effectively promoted. Agyapong's extensive nationwide tours during the 2023 presidential primaries make him easily recognizable and marketable within the NPP.
2. They explained that many NPP supporters are currently demoralized, with some defecting to other parties like the NDC. A significant portion of Ghanaian voters remain undecided, and as a result, Kennedy has the ability to energize and mobilize these disheartened supporters, galvanizing them to support the NPP in the upcoming elections.
3. The group added that unemployment among youth is a critical issue in Ghana, likely to be a central campaign theme. Agyapong has a proven track record of creating over 7,000 jobs in the country. His inclusion on the Bawumia ticket could attract the support of unemployed youth and those yet to graduate, bolstering the NPP’s electoral prospects.
4. Furthermore, they asserted that Ken is known for his tough yet approachable personality. He has a strong grassroots connection and business acumen that resonates well with the middle class.
5. Moreover, they argued that the combination of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's expertise in economics and digitalization with Agyapong's experience in grassroots mobilization, entrepreneurship, and business would enhance their ability to lead and potentially secure a victory.
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6. Additionally, as Vice President and Chairman of the Economic Management team in the next NPP government, Kennedy would leverage his entrepreneurial experience to contribute significantly to economic policies.
7. They added that Agyapong's ideas, which garnered substantial support during the party's primaries, combined with Dr. Bawumia's vision, offer a promising direction for Ghana amid current global financial challenges.
8. In addition, they stated that pairing Kennedy with Dr. Bawumia could help address regional concerns, particularly in maintaining peace and stability in the Bawku enclave of northern Ghana. His leadership on the Police Council would enhance security measures and peacebuilding efforts.
9. Lastly, they alleged that effective communication has been a challenge for the NPP government and Agyapong is widely recognized as a compelling communicator, capable of effectively conveying messages to voters through platforms like Net 2 TV and Oman FM, which would be valuable assets to the party’s campaign.
Meanwhile, Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has emerged as the preferred choice of running mate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, according to a survey conducted by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
Following him is Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education and MP for the Bosomtwe constituency, who garnered 10.1% of the responses from the polled executives.
Other notable personalities considered as potential running mates include Apostle Opoku Onyinah, former Chairman of the Pentecost Church of Ghana, and Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture and MP for Abetifi Constituency.
AM/SARA
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