NDC’s Mustapha Gbande Critiques Bawumia’s Choice of NAPO, Advocates for Adutwum
The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Foyo Gbande, has publicly criticized Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s choice of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (popularly known as NAPO) as his running mate, suggesting that Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the current Minister of Education, would have been a stronger selection. Gbande’s remarks came during an interview on StarrFM’s “Starr Today” program with Vanessa Tutuwaa Danso.
Gbande outlined what he sees as a missed opportunity in the selection process, asserting that Adutwum’s background, demeanor, and leadership style make him a preferable choice over NAPO. “Yesterday, the Minister of Education spoke, and I was a bit stunned because I have always respected his pedigree,” Gbande shared. “At least, I know that there is a better option if he was a running mate than the one we have, NAPO.”
Highlighting Adutwum’s credentials, Gbande described him as “well-educated, well-articulated, and well-polished,” arguing that these qualities align better with the expectations for national leadership in Ghana. He contrasted these traits with what he perceived as shortcomings in NAPO’s approach, calling him “a street talker” and stating that “NAPO isn’t well-educated.”
Gbande also raised concerns over the implications of NAPO’s selection, suggesting it could send a problematic message to the youth and the public about the qualities valued in Ghana’s leadership. He posed a rhetorical question to Tutuwaa, the show’s host, asking, “Do you want NAPO to be in the Jubilee House so that you, Tutuwaa, would go and see him as your vice president? This is Ghana—a peaceful nation and a hub for diplomacy. We don’t need someone like NAPO in such a role.”
The NDC deputy secretary underscored the importance of role models in leadership, especially for young Ghanaians, expressing doubt that NAPO could fulfill that role in a positive way. “Do you honestly believe you want your children to see NAPO’s picture and begin to jubilate that this is an example of who they want to be?” he questioned.
Gbande concluded by calling for a more dignified and serious approach to political leadership in Ghana. “Let’s honor this country a little bit. Politics is not a hub for foolishness; it’s for serious thinkers and people who build,” he said, urging for a leadership style that inspires national pride and progress.
