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Legislators

Dr Amakye-Boateng: On Leadership Meritocracy and Job Creation in Ghana

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Renowned senior lecturer Dr Kwasi Amakye-Boateng, from the Department of History and Political Studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has made headlines for describing former Member of Parliament for Assin Central and 2024 presidential hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, as an 'achiever' with unmatched record in job creation. Dr Amakye-Boateng draws parallels with historical precedents, urging the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to adopt a meritocratic approach in selecting its next flagbearer, focusing on candidates with a clear record of achievement and national appeal. He warns against the repetition of failed candidates and unnecessary confrontations within the party, emphasizing the need for fairness, unity, and strategic thinking ahead of the 2028 elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr Kwasi Amakye-Boateng, a senior lecturer at KNUST's Department of History and Political Studies, views Kennedy Agyapong as an 'achiever' in job creation, unmatched by any other presidential aspirant since the era of Jerry John Rawlings.
  • Agyapong's ability to absorb a large number of youth through employment is 'mind-boggling and there for all to see,' according to Dr Amakye-Boateng.
  • The KNUST lecturer highlighted the significance of practical impact in leadership selection processes, particularly in a country grappling with unemployment.
  • Dr Amakye-Boateng referenced historical precedents, such as Prof Albert Adu-Boahen's non-nomination after securing 31% of the votes in the 1992 elections, and former President John Agyekum Kufuor's rise to prominence after losing in 1996.
  • He called for an honest conversation within the NPP about Dr Bawumia's poor performance in the Northern Region, his home base.
  • Dr Amakye-Boateng urged the party to assess candidates through the lens of electability and regional strength, rather than sentimental attachments.
  • He mentioned the NPP's resilience and eventual victory in 2016 after three consecutive attempts by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
  • Dr Amakye-Boateng emphasized the need for fairness, unity, and strategic thinking within the party, advocating for logic, performance, and realism in the choice of the next flagbearer.

Statistics:

  • 31%: Prof Albert Adu-Boahen's share of votes in the 1992 elections.
  • 3: Number of consecutive attempts by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo before his eventual victory in 2016.
  • 1996: The year former President John Agyekum Kufuor lost the elections.
  • 1997: The year Dr Amakye-Boateng earned his M.Phil. in Political Science from the University of Tromso in Norway.
  • 2016: The year Dr Amakye-Boateng completed his Ph.D. in African Studies from the University of Ghana, Legon.

Sources:

  • Ghana Web (2024, June 11) - Interview with Dr Kwasi Amakye-Boateng by Nana Kwame Adjei Bohyen on Angel FM Kumasi (96.1)

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