By: Jude Tackie
Prof. Kobby Mensah, a Political Marketing Strategist has shared his insights on the changing dynamics of the NPP’s presidential campaigns as he established that Ken Agyapong has had a transformative image while Vice President Dr. Bawumia is gradually losing his ideal image in the face of voters.
In an interview on Happy 98.9 FM with Sefah Danquah, Prof. Mensah highlighted the remarkable transformation in the public perception of Kennedy Agyapong. He noted that, not too long ago, Ken Agyapong wasn’t the central figure in political discussions, and when he was, many dismissed him.
However, he now stands as a potential candidate who has earned the trust and endorsement of a significant number of NPP Diaspora members. Prof. Mensah described the shift in perception as a “massive improvement” in Ken Agyapong’s image, acknowledging that even his senior professors and mentors have expressed the view that the nation may need someone like Ken Agyapong in the presidential race.
The professor acknowledged the existence of differing opinions on Ken Agyapong’s past commentaries and actions. However, he underscored the transformative nature of Ken Agyapong’s efforts to present himself as a serious contender for the presidency, a role he has approached with new found dedication.
“I’ve seen my senior professors and mentors write to me and say they think that the country now needs Ken Agyapong and that is a massive improvement in his image. You can agree or disagree on his previous commentaries etc, but he has been very transformative in terms of how he’s trying to put fortunes to run for the presidency,” he added.
In contrast, Prof. Mensah expressed concern about Vice President Dr. Bawumia’s campaign strategy. He observed that Dr. Bawumia had lost some of the positive image and opinions he had garnered in previous years.
The professor noted a shift in Dr. Bawumia’s approach during the campaign period, where he seemed to adopt a more reserved and quiet stance on important issues, particularly economic matters.
Prof. Mensah indicated that Dr. Bawumia’s strategic choice was to avoid controversies and instead persuade voters with a broader range of issues. However, he expressed his reservations about this approach, suggesting that Dr. Bawumia was veering away from the issues he had originally campaigned on and those for which he was known.
“He has dissipated that image and even within this campaign period, deciding to go submarine, being very quiet about the most important things in people’s lives. That’s their livelihood and economic issues hoping that he would not steer any controversies to sore up his image and making sure that he could perhaps persuade the voters with so many other things that he has,” he stated.
“Of course the smart move is masses don’t matter and those who matter are the voters but the most terrible thing is he is running from the very things he campaigned on and the things people know him for and I’m sure that is hurting his campaign.”
The NPP elections is expected to be closely contested, with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong as the frontrunners, while other prominent figures like Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimoh also vie for the flagbearership slot.