Professor Smart Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Statistics at Kumasi Technical University, recently published a research report on the 2014 general elections. The report revealed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is leading in 8 regions, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is trailing in 7 areas.
The regions where the NDC leads include Bono East, Greater Accra, Northern, Oti, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, and Volta. On the other hand, the NPP is leading in Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Central, Eastern, North East, and Western regions.
Professor Smart Sarpong emphasized that competence, track record, and party affiliation are the key deciding factors for candidates who may win the 2024 elections. These factors alone account for 91.9% of the deciding factors.
The report also highlighted that unemployment and economic improvement are critical issues that manifestos must address. Other pressing concerns include poor roads, water and power crises, illegal mining, LGBTQ rights, corruption, and poor sanitation, among others, which are important to Ghanaian voters.
Professor Smart Sarpong advised political parties that the 2024 election campaigns should focus on relevant issues and must be a competition of superior ideas to enhance the lives of many.
He made this bold statement while presenting his baseline report on the 275 constituencies in Ghana in preparation for the General election.
The report also indicates that the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamud Bawumia, is leading with 38.1% against Mr John Dramani Mahama’s 36.1%.
According to the research report, the NDC as a party has a significant task ahead, as the findings suggest that the party itself is more appealing to Ghanaians than its flagbearer.
The Director of Research and Innovation at Kumasi Technical University also advised Vice President Bawumia to ensure he involves the party in his campaign, as his popularity alone may not be enough to secure victory in the elections.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/Bernard K Dadzie
