NAPO has a strong personality, charisma and must not speak without a script – Prof. Adu Gyamfi

Political commentator and Associate Professor at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Samuel Adu Gyamfi, has advised the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to ensure that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh only delivers speeches that have been written and vetted by his party handlers.

In his view, Dr. Opoku Prempeh's strong personality and charisma, which are valuable for the success of the NPP, could be counterproductive if he speaks without preparation and guidance from party experts.

Professor Adu Gyamfi made these suggestions in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM on Thursday, July 4, 2024, following the confirmation of Dr. Opoku Prempeh as Dr. Bawumia's running mate for the 2024 general election.

“I am of the view that in terms of public engagement when he [Dr. Opoku Prempeh] is to deliver a speech or on a campaign platform, I will suggest that he does not speak extempore, and further, as I appeal, he should not speak off the cuff,” he advised.

He recommended that to prevent Dr. Opoku Prempeh from being perceived negatively, his handlers should ensure that his speeches are delivered with a lower, more respectful tone.

“I am of the view that the political handlers, marketers, and experts in speeches and those who are going to write those speeches for him must prepare him with a lower tone because he has a strong personality and charisma to be able to communicate with a party voice and in a way to also be quite humane…So, his speech should have a tone that is polite, respectful, cuts across, and has a certain soberness within the sphere,” he added.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh has pledged to work diligently to secure a third consecutive term for the NPP and break the eight-year cycle.