A former Director of Communication of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Arthur Kennedy, has stated that all the clues point to a potential run-off in the December polls, a situation that could be a major blow to his party’s chances at winning political power.
Dr. Arthur Kennedy believes that even though it is possible for the NPP to win the elections, a lot of work must be done to wrestle power from the NDC.
“I think our chances are good. The reason they are good is that the world economy is struggling and incumbents all around the world are struggling… Giving those circumstances, I think that challengers are in a very strong position but a lot of work needs to be done,” he added.
Dr. Arthur Kennedy who is currently a lecturer at the Cape Coast University made these comments when he appeared as the special guest on Radio XYZ 93.1 FM’s Ephson’s File.
According to him “if [the NPP] works hard and we tap into the frustration of Ghanaians with the performance of the NDC, our chances are good.”
Impact of New Constituencies
Dr. Kennedy however indicated that Nana Addo, the flagbearer of the NPP, only has the option of winning the elections by one-touch if he will have a shot at the presidency, adding “it is doable but looking at how the country is divided, it’s difficult…”
“If you look at the 45 new seats and you look at the margin, I think for example that if you ask me today I will say reluctantly that maybe we are heading for a second round. If we do [go] for a second round and the government was able to retain its majority in parliament it will be very difficult for the NPP candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo to win a second round when Ghanaians know that the NDC has the majority.”
He said the resurgence of the flagbearer of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Dr, Papa Kwesi Nduom, will also be a major stumbling block to either of the two main parties in their quest to win the elections.
Dr. Kennedy further gave thumbs up to Dr. Nduom for his visibility on the ground ahead of the December polls.
“…when you look at how Nduom is climbing, I think that Nduom is impressing people on the ground. His symbols are everywhere and he is making lots of good noises.”
Propaganda vs Performance
Touching on the performance of the NDC administration, Dr. Kennedy posited that the government has relied heavily on propaganda instead of concentrating on achieving the promises made to Ghanaians.
“I think that not just the NDC but Ghanaian governments in general are reluctant to admit mistakes. I think that people know that [government officials] are human so occasionally it is not wrong to [admit mistakes].”
He said the government is better off concentrating on developing the country rather than engaging in tangential issues that are irrelevant to development.
Politics of Health
Touching on the politics of health, Dr. Kennedy reiterated his earlier positions that the political parties should not do politics with the health of the President. He however stated that “if indeed the president is not well, he should level with the people about the state of his health because you can be unwell but fit for the presidency.”
He said it will be good for all flagbearers to give Ghanaians the assurance that they are fit enough for the rigours of the office of the President.
“I actually think that now that we are going into that area, once you start down that line it is reasonable to say that all those contenders for the office should assure us that to the best of their knowledge they are healthy and fit for the rigours of office,” he averred.
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