Eugene Boakye Antwi, Subin MP
Eugene Boakye Antwi, Member of Parliament (MP) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Subin Constituency in the Ashanti Region, has stated that the NPP should focus its efforts on predominantly Akan or Christian areas, as these areas have historically supported the NPP and will help it win the 2024 General Elections (break the eight) if it prioritizes them.
Mr. Antwi argued on Oyerepa FM's morning show, Oyerepa Breakfast Time, on Friday, April 28, 2023, that the NPP has always obtained power through the votes of Akans and Christians, not Muslims, and that there is evidence to support this claim.
Mr. Antwi urged NPP delegates to vote for a Christian Akan, just as they did for former presidents John Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
"The empirical evidence demonstrates that we [NPP] derive our political power, support, authority, and existence from Akan-dominated or Christian-dominated areas of this country, and that's a fact," he stated matter-of-factly, adding that despite criticisms about his involvement in tribal politics, tribalism cannot be completely divorced from Ghana's politics.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is a northerner and a Muslim, whereas his closest competitor, Alan Kyeremanten, is an Akan and a Christian. Mr. Antwi's remarks have been interpreted as an endorsement of Alan Kyeremanten and an attack on Dr. Bawumia.
According to political analysts, attempts by Alan Kyeremanten's supporters to play the religious and tribal card will destroy the prospects of the NPP candidate, who is already rumored to be struggling.
It has been claimed that the NPP is an Akan party that will never allow northerners to command it. Frequently, it has fought back. However, Mr. Antwi's remarks appear to lend credence to the notion.
Dr. Bawumia's aspiration to head NPP
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's bid to lead the NPP into the 2024 General Elections has received overwhelming support from the party's rank and file. In terms of support from the party, he is considered to be in a dead heat with Alan Kyeremanten, who previously ran for the position.