Professor Smart Sarpong of Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) has advised Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Member of Parliament for Assin Central Constituency and an aspirant in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries, to work on his temperament and diplomacy if he intends to lead the party in the 2024 elections.
Agyapong is one of the aspirants seeking the NPP’s presidential nomination, and the party is expected to narrow down the number of candidates through a super-delegates conference. Speaking about Agyapong’s potential as a candidate, Prof. Sarpong highlighted two weaknesses that might work against him.
First, Prof. Sarpong mentioned that Agyapong is known for being quick-tempered, which he believed could be a disadvantage in a leadership role. Second, he noted that Agyapong lacks diplomacy, an essential skill in politics, especially at the presidential level.
Prof. Sarpong suggested that Agyapong should work on changing perspectives about his demeanor in order to appeal to a broader range of voters.
On the other hand, Prof. Sarpong acknowledged that Agyapong’s outspokenness, long years of experience as a lawmaker, and philanthropic efforts are positive factors in his favor. However, he cautioned that the two negative traits might affect his candidacy for the presidential position.
In response to these observations, Agyapong defended his character, stating that his confidence is often misconstrued as arrogance. He emphasized that he is not rude but confident, and he expressed his belief that his confidence often gets vindicated over time.
This exchange highlights the dynamics and challenges that come with political leadership aspirations, as candidates must navigate their personalities, public perceptions, and potential weaknesses while appealing to a diverse electorate.