Professor Kobby Mensah, a political marketing strategist, has shared his thoughts on the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) selection of Energy Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, as the running mate for their flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
He suggested that if the NPP had the freedom to choose, they might not have selected NAPO. Professor Mensah expressed these views to the media in Accra.
He described NAPO as an exceptional individual but pointed out that his public interactions, which often involve disregarding public opinions and speaking freely, have led to a negative perception of him.
According to Professor Mensah, leadership is not just about the individual, but also about behaviour and character.
He highlighted that NAPO’s public pronouncements have raised questions about his suitability for leadership.
He wondered if the party had a system in place to hold its members accountable for their public conduct.
Professor Mensah further explained that public perception is not just about personal interactions, but also about public behaviour and statements.
He suggested that NAPO’s disregard for public opinion and his tendency to speak without restraint have contributed to his negative image.
He argued that leadership involves recognition, attitude, and behaviour, and questioned whether NAPO embodies these qualities.
Professor Mensah stated that if the party had a choice, they might not have selected NAPO as its flagbearer’s running mate.
“If you look at the pronouncements of NAPO in public and you know the character is formed not only by what you do but also by what you say…He’s a fantastic guy I know him very very well but the public engagements. It is not one that anybody, any politician of modern times would say that it is the best way to do.
“… He [NAPO] says anything, disregards public views…When you do that you are creating perception. People do not have to get closer to you…Not everybody will have access to you to know how fantastic somebody is. But they are taking you on what you say, your behaviour.
“What actually makes up leadership or performances? You are looking at recognitions, you are looking at attitudinal, you are looking at behavioural. Now if you put all things together are you going to be able to say that this is the candidate that perhaps people are unfairly tagging as arrogant, no.”
“So, when you have a political party that is supposed to fill a certain slot which is the Vice President slot. I am telling you if they had their own way I don’t think they would have actually chosen him,” he stated.
