“Being a President Is Not Trial and Error” – KsTU Lecturer Cautions NPP Delegates
Story by: Akua-Piesie
A senior lecturer at the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), Dr. Samuel Afriyie, has cautioned delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against voting based solely on loyalty or popularity as the party prepares to elect its next flagbearer.
Dr. Afriyie warned that the presidency demands experience, emotional intelligence, and leadership maturity — qualities that cannot be developed through mere experimentation.
“Being a President Is Not Trial and Error”
“Being a President is not trial and error,” Dr. Afriyie said in an interview with Akua-Piesie Asare Bediako, Being a president means that the person has gone through the mill.”
According to him, Ghana’s political history shows that successful presidents were individuals who had built resilience and experience over time before assuming the nation’s highest office.
He cited former Presidents J.A. Kufuor, the late Prof. J.E.A. Mills, Nana Akufo-Addo, and John Dramani Mahama as examples of leaders who “went through the mill” before becoming presidents.
Leadership Requires Tested Qualities
The KsTU lecturer explained that the presidency is one of the most demanding jobs in the country, involving the management of diverse personalities, emotions, national security, and foreign relations.
“Becoming president of Ghana is not an easy task,” he said. “Some advanced level of traits must be acquired to handle national issues. Excelling in one ministry does not automatically qualify someone to lead an entire nation.”
Aspirants and Strategic Positioning
Commenting on the NPP’s current lineup of presidential aspirants, Dr. Afriyie suggested that each candidate is positioning themselves differently for future opportunities.
“Some of the aspirants are preparing for the future rather than the present. For instance, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, Bryan Acheampong, and Kwabena Agyapong are working strategically. Kennedy Agyapong is seeking to enhance his political brand, while Dr. Bawumia is rebranding himself for another opportunity,” he observed.
Experience Through the “Mill”
Dr. Afriyie emphasized that in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, leaders who eventually became presidents had shown persistence, adaptability, and political growth over time.
“All those who have become presidents have gone through some kind of mill — they tried, repositioned, and rebranded themselves to attract Ghanaians’ trust,” he said.
Delegates Urged to Think Beyond the Party
The political analyst urged NPP delegates to make a decision that reflects the broader interests of Ghanaians, not just party insiders.
“Delegates must vote for someone who has the capacity to win the trust of Ghanaians — someone who is prepared, tested, and ready, who has stood the test of time,” Dr. Afriyie concluded.
The NPP is expected to hold its presidential primaries 31st January, 2026 as the party gears up for the next general election.
