Prof. Smart Sarpong, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Research at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), has advised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer to choose a running partner who exudes charisma and is appealing to the younger generation.
He believes that the NPP’s ticket will gain supplementary votes with such a running mate.
The flagbearer’s ticket can receive a sizable number of complimentary votes if the running mate is an inspiring individual, charismatic, able to mobilise the electorate, and appealing to the younger generation in particular.
Prof. Sarpong stated on Thursday, June 6 on TV3’s Ghana Tonight programme, “Aside from the fact that he is Ashanti, he has to pick somebody who is very charismatic, somebody who can appeal to the youth population, somebody who is down to earth.”
According to Nana Akomea, the Managing Director of the State Transport Company (STC), Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia would reveal his running mate before the end of June.
According to the former NPP director of communications, Dr. Bawumia has already decided on his running mate.
During his appearance on the Sunrise show on 3FM on Thursday, June 6, the former legislator for Okaikwei South responded, “Dr. Bawumia has reached a decision, he will announce by June end,” when asked who he had chosen as his running mate.
Campaigning has begun for Dr. Bawumia ahead of the national elections in 2024.
Recent polls show that there is competition in Ghana’s political scene ahead of the country’s elections, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) enjoying the highest level of support from voters.
Professor Smart Sarpong’s survey indicates that the NDC has 38.8% of the vote, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) coming in second with 34.5%.
The baseline report on 275 constituencies by Political Analyst Prof Smart Sarpong, had a total sample size of 59,547 selected from the full 275 sub-samples, with Each sub-sample representing a proportional share of total contribution to voter population as per the 2020 voter register.
The survey, carried out in April 2024 and covering all 16 regions of the country, reveals that a significant portion of the electorate, 23.1%, remains undecided, potentially making them a crucial factor in the final outcome. Smaller parties, collectively, hold a marginal 3.6% of voter support.
The survey findings indicate a different trend when it comes to preferred presidential candidates. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP leads with 38.9% support, slightly ahead of the NDC’s John Dramani Mahama, who has 36.1% support. Undecided voters constitute 21.4%, and other candidates collectively account for 3.6%.
The survey also explored the main factors influencing voter decisions. Competence tops the list, with 50.3% of respondents indicating it as their primary consideration. Track records of presidential candidates are crucial for 22.5% of voters, while party affiliation matters to 19.1%. Interestingly, 3.7% of respondents admitted that financial inducement could sway their vote.
The report further adds voters have identified unemployment as the most pressing issue, with 21.1% highlighting it as their primary concern. Economic improvements are also high on the agenda, with a cumulative 33.7% of respondents citing various economic issues.
Poor infrastructure, including roads, water, and power, are significant concerns. Other critical issues include illegal mining, LGBTQ rights, corruption, and poor sanitation.