Report by Akpeleasi Flora- 13/03/2024
In an interview with AIT TV, Alhaji Harruna Rafik, the 1st Vice Chairman of the Okaikwei Central Constituency branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), voiced strong criticisms against the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) presidential ticket, comprising John Dramani Mahama and Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Rafik asserted that the familiarity of Ghanaians with the NDC duo from previous elections would lead to their rejection at the polls.
Rafik commenced by emphasizing the familiarity of Ghanaians with the NDC candidates, stressing that their past electoral defeat signaled a lack of trust especially in Jane Opoku-Agyemang, from the electorate
“This is the same candidate that was beaten by the NPP. Ghanaians know her and Ghanaians in that election judged her based on the way they know her and that is what makes the votes. This will show that clearly they are not people that we can entrust this country in their hands again,” Rafik stated.
Rafik further contended that NDC members are disappointed with Opoku-Agyemang’s inclusion on the ticket, citing her alleged incompetence during her tenure as Minister of Education. “They are disappointed because that candidate is part of their failure in the last election because the record of Jane Naana even at the Ministry of Education clearly shows that she is as incompetent as her boss,” Rafik affirmed, hinting at internal discord within the opposition party.
Rafik emphasized the NPP’s confidence in their own candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, whom he hailed as “young and vibrant.” Referring to Bawumia affectionately as “Dr. Digital,” Rafik expressed certainty in the NPP’s electoral success. “At the end of the day, we know that President Mahama himself and Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, they are not new to us; we have beaten them before and by God’s grace especially now that we have a young and vibrant candidate Dr. Alhaji Mahumudu Bawumia, Dr. Digital as we affectionately call him, this is just going to be a work over,” Rafik confidently declared.
Moreover, Rafik criticized Opoku-Agyemang’s opposition to the NPP’s flagship policy, Free Senior High School (SHS), accusing her of prioritizing political expediency over educational reform. “One would have said that it is Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang who should have rather been more interested to champion a pro-education policy like Free SHS but did she do it? She didn’t do just because of political expediency,” Rafik remarked, highlighting the ideological chasm between the two major parties on critical issues like education.
Rafik’s remarks underscored the escalating political tensions as Ghana approaches its next presidential election, with both major parties fiercely contesting their visions for the country’s future. As the campaign trail heats up, such critiques and endorsements are likely to shape public discourse and influence voter sentiments in the coming months.
