Dr Charles Dwamena, popularly known as Dr China, has called for a public debate among all aspirants seeking to become General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to him, the General Secretary position is crucial to the political fortunes of the party and its 2028 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Speaking on Oman FM’s Boiling Point programme last Wednesday, Dr China argued that delegates should be allowed to assess the various aspirants based on their experience, capabilities and vision for the party rather than allowing the contest to be dominated by financial considerations.
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“I have always said that the position of the NPP General Secretary is very important to the presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia,” he said.
According to him, it is time for all persons who have declared their intention to contest the position to appear on a common platform and debate issues concerning the future and fortune of the party.
Dr China said the proposed debate should provide an opportunity for the aspirants to explain what they had achieved in the past, demonstrate their capabilities and outline what fresh ideas they would bring to the NPP if elected.
He maintained that delegates must be equipped with enough information to make an informed decision when choosing the next General Secretary.
“I think it is time, before the election, that the contestants for the position should debate,” he said.
“All the people who have declared their intentions to contest the position of the NPP General Secretary should debate and explain to the delegates what they have done before, their capabilities and what they are bringing to the table.”
‘Let the contest not be about money’
Dr China appealed to delegates to look beyond financial inducements when assessing the aspirants.
He suggested that a public debate would help shift attention from campaign spending to the competence and ideas of the various candidates.
“Let the delegates assess the contestants based on the declarations so the contest won’t be about money,” he said.
In a light-hearted remark, Dr China acknowledged that some candidates may distribute money during the campaign. He insisted that delegates should nevertheless demand substantive discussions about the future of the NPP.
“Anybody who brings money, collect it. Even I will take my share,” he said jokingly, while urging delegates to go beyond financial considerations.
Focus on winning the 2028 election
Dr China stressed that the ultimate objective of the contest should be to identify the aspirant capable of helping the NPP reorganise and strengthen its structures ahead of the 2028 general election.
He challenged the candidates to use the public debate to explain how they intend to position the party to win the next presidential election.
“Beyond the money, push for the debate. The contestants should explain to the public how they can get the party to win the 2028 election,” he added.
His call comes as the NPP prepares for its internal elections, with the contest for the General Secretary position expected to attract significant attention as the party seeks to reorganise and rebuild ahead of the 2028 elections.