Dr. Sampson Anomah has happily reacted to the statement by President Akufo-Addo that “no President can foist a candidate on the Party against its wishes” as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) searches for its next flagbearer for the 2024 general elections.
In a meeting with communicators of the NPP at Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo stated that
“The history of the NPP tells us that no President can foist a candidate on the Party against its wishes. The NPP is not that kind of Party. We have never subscribed to a cult of personality. Indeed, our highly-respected former President, the 1st NPP President, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, in the aftermath of my election as NPP Presidential Candidate, by the 2007 National Congress, told the Congress that ‘the Party has its spirit’, a spirit that cannot be ignored.”
Speaking on the issue on the Wontumi Morning Show, Dr. Sampson Anoma stated that he had expected the President to sound the caution long ago but it is still in order he addressed it. He explained that if the caution and statement by President Akufo-Addo had come earlier, certain aspirants wouldn’t have used certain words and actions in their campaign message.
“When practicing politics, seeking sympathy is one of the points to use whilst campaigning. Some used the message as their campaign message and created an impression all the government officials were supporting one particular candidate against them. They were shaping their campaign seeking sympathy from the voters from that direction.”
Dr. Anoma pointed out President Akufo-Addo’s comment has come to break the perception he is supporting one particular candidate against the rest.
“They have used it for long but for the President to make that comment, it has come to break one of their key campaign messages. It is okay because the President had to clear his name from the tag they were throwing at him- it wasn’t a good perception…It didn’t come early but better late than never”, he said.