Former president John Mahama’s first priority should be uniting the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after a heated presidential primary, a political scientist has said.
A senior lecturer at the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, Dr. Asa Asante has advised the newly elected flagbearer of the largest opposition party to “listen to the concerns” of the supporters and resolve them.
Mahama polled a whopping 213,487 votes representing 95.23% of the total votes cast to beat six other contestants to lead the largest opposition party in the 2020 general elections.
“Reconcile party members and listen to their concerns and address them immediately. If he’s not in a position to do that he should delegate to members of the party who can do that,” Dr. Asante told Morning Starr host, Francis Abban.
He also advised the former president to “go back to the drawing board” to right the wrongs as part of measures to position the party for the 2020 general elections.
“He must also reach out to people and let them know that this time around whatever they had against them they are going to do things differently. With a very credible electoral strategy and message I’m sure all should work well,” Dr. Asante stated.
The senior lecturer has also warned the leadership of the party and its supporters to refrain from engaging in foul languages when discussing national issues.
“They should refrain from statements that will incur the wrath of people. Engage the public in a very free and civil manner so it will be a contest of ideas not war. They should also be able to articulate their views clear on the various sectors of the economy and the public would be able to make a choice,” Dr. Asante stressed.
Mahama has since called on the party’s founder JJ Rawlings as part of moves to bring all hands on board.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
