Election Arena ep 2: Why Nana Addo and the NPP could lose the election again

Written by Edward Oppong Marfo

A loss for the NPP could spell doom for the party in subsequent years. A loss for the party could mean that Nana Addo will not be the Flagbearer for the party again.  He has become very powerful within the party to the extent that deep throat sources within the party indicate that others who are perceived to be anti Akufo- Addo, almost all lost their primaries.

If Akufo- Addo loses;
Who will they build the party around?
Will Paul Afoko, Kwabena Agyapong and Sammy Crabbe be called back?
Who could be the next flagbearer- Allan Kyeremateng,  Dr. Bawumia or? ??

The NPP could remain in opposition if they do not play their politics just like how Ghanaians perceive Ghana politics to be. 

One thing that some people say the NDC does better than the NPP is the ability to draw New groups to their party. 

The NDC has a style of attracting floating voters as they try to convince new people or non supporters than the NPP. President Mahama has a special way of engaging people during rallies or whenever he mounts the stage. Supporters of NPP are normally very passionate about the party-  they have a strong attachment to the party. When Nana Addo was scheduled to have a rally at Ayeduase in Kumasi (close to KNUST) at 4pm,  some party supporters went to the grounds as early as 2pm to wait but the Flagbearer mounted the stage after 6pm and went straight to address the audience and finished his statement and left stage in less than 10 minutes. Some people interviewed after the programme claimed they expected a more interactive or active session with the NPP Flagbearer than What they saw. If such a practice is replicated in all areas, there would be a lower possibility of attracting floating voters. However, his major opponent, President Mahama danced on stage and took some selfies with the audience when he had a similar programme at KNUST, great hall.

There may be a genuine call for change by a cross section of Ghanaians (perhaps the majority) but the NPP cannot win if they do not play the "politics of involvement". Npp should have a way of convincing Ghanaians on why their leader fits to be president and their members of parliament are to be voted for. In the US election,  some electorates stated emphatically clear that they do not like Donald Trump but Hillary Clinton however  did not give them enough reasons as to why she deserves their votes.

Its is quite obvious that just like in 2012, NPP could win in the Ashanti region and the Eastern region but if they do not win in  either Brong Ahafo (and) or Central Region or close up the gap or win in the greater Accra region and the Western Region, then they may still remain in opposition. 

NPP would also need to amass enough votes in the other strongholds of the NDC as well. 

Again, the NDC is not leaving anything to chance as they are trying to use any "small" opportunity to convince  Ghanaians for another term.  Aside the possible repressive mechanism of the state which goes in favour of the incumbent president,  the NDC is taking advantage of all possible avenues to promote their agenda.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo's IEA encounter was postponed many times.  No one should downplay the significance the debate could have on electorates. Aside that,  the NPP could have taken advantage of the GTV presidential encounter,  NCCE/GTV presidential debate and all the opportunities available. The NPP may have good reasons for boycotting these forums but  no matter the reason,  this could have attracted new people or could have encouraged others who have decided not to vote on election day to make an effort in voting for NPP.

There is a greater likelihood that Nana Addo will not be contesting again if he loses and as such must “do everything possible to win the election”. However, if his main contender, John Mahama loses, NDC will continue to make him the party’s flagbearer until he eventual becomes the president again (even if it will take 12 to 16 years). NPP’s Nana Addo has no choice than to work hard to convince Ghanaians to vote for him to climb to the highest seat in Ghana.

Election Arena: What could happen if Mahama loses on Dec 7

Written by Edward Oppong Marfo

If president Mahama loses, he will go down in the history of the country as the only sitting president to lose in Ghana's fourth republic as in the case of Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria-  who rose from being Vice president after the demise of the president and then was voted into office after one term and made way for an older opponent in his 70s. Could a similar case happen in Ghana?  

 What will be his reaction if he loses?  Will he be the party's Flagbearer for 2020? Will he be criticizing the government if something goes wrong?
Will successive governments be willing to continue the infrastructural projects started by the current government? 
Will some people in the current  government be prosecuted if found culpable? 
Will Woyome be made to pay the judgment debt as early as possible?
Will the "economy"  be fixed immediately a new government takes over?
How many regions are the NDC Going to win? Will it be 8 regions just like 2012? Will NDC have majority in parliament?  (Currently, NDC has 146 seats in parliament while NPP has 121) Can NPP bridge the gap (25 seats)? 

President of the republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama is busily campaigning and is urging all Ghanaians to rally behind him and the entire National Democratic Congress, NDC (he has even lost his voice in the process.  This should tell us how serious he has taken the whole electoral process. The NDC members have been highlighting the government's achievements- mostly infrastructure; school, health centres, markets, roads, interchanges etc. 

Making reference to past and present trends, both President Mahama and Nana Addo stand a 50% chance of winning but one can only be "crowned" based on its political strategy.

Why Mahama could lose
1. Complains about high standard of living (economy)
2. Unemployment
3. Corruption (Judgment debts (Woyome), alleged bribery attempts, GYEEDA, SADA etc.)
4. Energy (although it has reduced to some extent) etc.
With some of these concerns been raised, how will the NDC government overcome this?

Does this seem to be" a do or die affair" for the two leading candidates? 
What will the incumbent president do if he loses?
Knowing that the stakes are high if he loses, they are making all attempts to play the political game in order retain the seat.
Will the NDC go into opposition for a long time if they lose on Dec 7?

Already ace pollster and editor of dispatch Ben Ephson has predicted a first round victory for President Mahama. Could that be an advantage? 
Share your views...
What will Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo do if he loses? Coming soon

By: Edward Oppong Marfo, Broadcast Journalist

Multiple Award Winning Female Doctor From KNUST To Specialize In Paediatrics

Written by: Edward Oppong Marfo

Multiple award winning female doctor from KNUST, Dr. Fathia Karim has revealed her strong desire to specialize in paediatrics. 

Speaking exclusively to Edward Oppong Marfo on  UNCOVER on TEK TV, the medical science graduate of KNUST who grabbed 12 out of 15 awards available for excellent distinction,  says she has a strong desire to care for children.  She has therefore disclosed that she would like to specialize in paediatrics.

The Wesley Girls Senior High School old student has also hinted of her plans to move outside Ghana in some few years to further her education. 

Speaking on the show, Dr. Fathia revealed that, as part of her plans to build her capacity in the medical field, she plans to further her education outside Ghana where she believes could help her develop her potentials to the fullest.

Fathia 24, currently working at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), just after her graduation trended on social media and most online portals for setting a new record.

 Charles Djugbah in 2015 broke a 40-year record and made a new record by winning 8 awards but shortly after a year, Fathia Karim made history when she set a new record by winning 12 out of the 15 awards.

Recognise Living Legends Before Eulogizing Them When They Die- Agya Koo Nimo

Written by: Edward Oppong Marfo

 

Ghana music legend Dr. Daniel Amponsah popularly known as Agya Koo Nimo has urged Ghanaians to tap into the knowledge of legends.  He is also entreating Ghanaians to give living legends enough recognition before they die.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Edward Oppong Marfo, the renowned musician and academician called on Ghanaians to learn from the experiences of great people who have made significant impact in their various fields to ensure development.

Agya Koo Nimo has launched his book titled “Six Strings and a Note” which he describes as a biography of himself. The book launch took place at the Great hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The occasion saw a representative of the Asantehene and Chancellor of KNUST, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Chairman of KNUST University Council, Dr. Kwame Saarah-Mensah, Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Kwasi Obiri Danso, Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Nii Odai among others attending. 

The 85 year old man says he believes young people and Ghanaians in general can take inspiration from his book.

Agya Koo Nimo has lectured in KNUST and University of Cape Coast (UCC) and other institutions in Ghana and abroad. He disclosed to Edward Oppong Marfo that he has been associated with KNUST for 48 years as lecturer and even after retirement.