3 Public Figures Who Declined Bawumia’s Manifesto Committee Roles

As the president of the Africa Armwrestling Federation and Vice President of the World Armwrestling Federation, Osei Asibey’s statement on February 25, 2024, emphasized his desire to remain apolitical. He underscored the importance of maintaining neutrality to effectively serve in his sporting roles, thereby rejecting the political committee position.

Similarly, the renowned highlife musician Okyeame Kwame has distanced himself from the manifesto committee, specifically the Tourism and Culture subcommittee. Despite being named as a member, Okyeame Kwame clarified in a statement dated February 24, 2024, that he had not been formally appointed nor had he accepted any such role. Emphasizing his non-partisan stance, he reiterated his openness to contributing to policy discussions across the political spectrum, provided it advances the arts and culture sector in Ghana.

The situation with Ms. Abena Amoah, who was listed as a co-chair of the economy subcommittee, adds another layer of complexity. The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), where Ms. Amoah serves as CEO, issued a disclaimer stating that she had not been approached by Bawumia’s campaign team and had no involvement with the manifesto committee. This misidentification underscores the potential for miscommunication in assembling such teams.

The manifesto committee, comprising 319 members across various sectors, reflects an ambitious attempt to incorporate a wide range of expertise and perspectives. It includes serving ministers acting as advisors and is led by the immediate past Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, with Kojo Oppong Nkrumah as deputy. However, the recent rejections pose questions about the vetting process for appointees and the challenge of securing commitment from public figures wary of political affiliations.

These developments highlight the intricate balance between political engagement and professional neutrality, particularly in a polarized landscape. As the NPP and Bawumia’s team navigate these challenges, the effectiveness of their manifesto and the broader campaign strategy may hinge on their ability to build a cohesive and committed team.