Political analyst Dr Jonathan Asante Otchere has questioned the political pedigree and stature of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) newly elected National Chairman, John Boadu, compared with his counterpart in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
His comments followed the election of new NPP national officers at the party’s National Delegates Conference held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on October 3.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom with Nana Tuffour Boateng on Sunday, October 4, Dr Asante Otchere said, in his assessment, Mr Boadu did not match Mr Asiedu Nketiah in terms of political pedigree, gravitas and value.
He said the comparison would become more relevant if Mr Asiedu Nketiah decided not to contest the NDC’s presidential slot.
“Put the two together and you tell me whether John Boadu comes even halfway in terms of pedigree, in terms of gravitas, in terms of value with respect to Mr Asiedu Nketiah,” he added.
Dr Asante Otchere also questioned whether the factors that influenced NPP delegates to reject Mr Boadu in the party’s previous national executive elections had changed.
He argued that Mr Boadu’s election was influenced more by internal party dynamics than considerations of competence.
“I think that the only reason why John Boadu was elected is not about competency. It’s about the fact that Mr Boakye Agyarko annoys the system,” he said.
He further argued that former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko could hold his own against Mr Asiedu Nketiah in areas including communication, articulation and professional pedigree.
Dr Asante Otchere also questioned the comparative stature of the NPP’s re-elected General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, and the NDC’s General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey.
He said the contrasting profiles of the two party executives should be considered when assessing the leadership of Ghana’s two major political parties.
