Prof. Smart Sarpong, Director of Research and Innovation at Kumasi Technical University, has rejected suggestions that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia underperformed in the New Patriotic Party’s presidential primaries, arguing that such claims do not stand up to a careful reading of the results.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Prof. Sarpong explained that when the figures are properly examined, Dr. Bawumia’s showing in the recent primaries was actually stronger than his performance in the 2023 contest.
He pointed out that the former Vice President made significant inroads in constituencies he had never won before and improved his standing across several regions. In the Greater Accra Region alone, Dr. Bawumia secured victories in 29 constituencies, including areas that were previously considered strongholds of Kennedy Agyapong.
Prof. Sarpong compared the two contests, noting that although Dr. Bawumia won 62 percent of the vote across 212 constituencies in the earlier primaries, he has now emerged victorious in 232 constituencies with 56.48 percent of the total votes. According to him, this shift reflects a wider spread of support across the country rather than a decline in performance.
He further observed that Dr. Bawumia successfully retained all 14 regions he won in the previous election, despite facing a highly competitive field this time around. Prof. Sarpong described the outcome as a strong showing, especially considering the political pressure surrounding the race.
“In terms of numbers, anyone who understands electoral data can see that this result is an improvement on 2023,” he said. “He expanded his reach into new constituencies, gained ground everywhere else, and even won areas in Greater Accra that were previously taken by Ken Agyapong. Last time, he won fewer constituencies with a higher percentage; this time, he won more constituencies with broader national appeal.”
He concluded that it would be inaccurate to suggest Dr. Bawumia’s victory fell short of expectations, stressing that the former Vice President performed creditably and delivered an impressive result under challenging circumstances.
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