Dr. Samuel Afriyie, a lecturer at Kumasi Technical University, has spoken out against what he sees as a troubling trend in Ghanaian politics—the growing perception that wealth and popularity are key determinants for selecting flagbearers.
In an interview with Agyenkwa Nana on Wontumi TV’s morning show, Dr. Afriyie urged political parties to rise above superficial qualifications and focus on substance when choosing who leads them.
“Being a flagbearer has nothing to do with riches, popularity, or fame. It is about how intelligent and capable you are,” he stated bluntly.
He argued that competence and vision—not money or celebrity status—should define a party’s standard-bearer. According to him, leadership demands intelligence and the ability to navigate complex national issues, not just a hefty bank account or social media following.
Dr. Afriyie also took a firm stance on the nomination process itself, cautioning party executives not to treat the filing of nomination forms as a sideshow. He stressed the importance of handling such documents with integrity and professionalism to preserve the party’s dignity.
He concluded by stating that anyone aspiring to become a flagbearer should present themselves as a serious-minded and intelligent individual, fully prepared to represent the ideals and future of the party.
