Bawumia lacks emotional attachment to NPP – Prof Frimpong-Boateng

Former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has questioned Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s emotional connection to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Speaking in an exclusive interview on JoyNews, Prof Frimpong-Boateng highlighted the initial resistance to Dr. Bawumia’s selection as running mate in 2008, noting that many, including ex-President John Agyekum Kufuor, opposed his appointment due to his lack of party membership at the time.

“Dr. Bawumia is a very nice person, but I don’t see him as someone who has an emotional attachment with the NPP,” he remarked.

The renowned scientist and former minister also criticized Dr. Bawumia’s track record as an economic strategist. While he acknowledged the Vice President’s reputation as an economic “wizkid,” he argued that the lofty expectations placed on him have not been met.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng added that he did not oppose Dr. Bawumia’s selection as running mate initially but expressed disappointment in the outcome.

He further alleged that Dr. Bawumia’s recent emergence as the NPP’s flagbearer was influenced by manipulation, claiming that some delegates were pressured, intimidated, or bribed into supporting his candidacy.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng lamented the current state of the NPP, describing it as fractured and a shadow of the principled party he once admired.

He disclosed feeling disconnected from the NPP, citing legal actions against him by four party members implicated in his report on environmental violations.

The former minister criticized the party’s deviation from core principles like the rule of law and separation of powers, which he said once defined its leadership.

He called for a return to these foundational values to restore the party’s integrity and unity.