The fleshed-out manifesto committee list of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer for the 2024 presidential elections, has seen some individuals turn down the offer to serve.
Since the list was released less than a week ago, three people have declined their appointments.
These include a member of the tourism and creative arts subcommittee, a member of the sports subcommittee, and one from the economy subcommittee.
Charles Osei Asibey, Member of the Sports Subcommittee
Charles Asibey, a veteran journalist who is also President of the Africa Armwrestling Federation and Vice President of the World Armwrestling Federation, declined the appointment in a statement dated February 25, 2024.
He stated that he decided not to join the campaign subcommittee to maintain his apolitical stance, believing that staying neutral and impartial in his current roles within the sporting community is important.
Okyeame Kwame, Tourism and Culture Subcommittee
The highlife musician clarified that he had neither been formally appointed to the manifesto committee nor was he affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a press statement dated February 24, 2024, he stated that he had not been paid to take up such a role.
“I wish to reassure my respected following and reiterate that I remain non-partisan and apolitical, as I have been throughout my entire career. I have not been paid by H.E. The Vice President’s campaign team to be a member of the committee for the arts and tourism manifesto nor have I officially been invited on my terms as a non-partisan participant.
“Indeed, when it comes to contributing policy opinion towards the advancement of the Arts and Culture in Ghana, I am respectfully open to all political or ideological persuasions, be they NPP, NDC, CPP, Independent, or other, that may want me to openly and sincerely lend my knowledge to develop this noble industry,” his statement read in part.
Abena Amoah, Co-chair of the Economy Subcommittee, Issues Disclaimer
The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) issued an official statement clarifying that its CEO, Abena Amoah, had not been approached by the campaign team at any point.
“We wish to state categorically that the named Ms. Abena Amoah on the list is NOT Ms. Abena Amoah, Managing Director of the Ghana Stock Exchange. Our Ms. Abena Amoah has not been approached or had any discussion or agreement on the subject matter with the Campaign Team,” the GSE statement read in part.
The statement also stated that she was not the person listed as co-chair of the particular subcommittee.