Dr China calls for debate among NPP General Secretary aspirants

National Treasurer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and aspirant for the position of General Secretary, Dr Charles Dwamena, popularly known as Dr China, has called for a public debate among all contenders for the party’s General Secretary position.

According to Dr Dwamena, the General Secretary position is critical to the NPP’s efforts to support the presidential ambitions of the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and ultimately return the party to government.

Speaking on Oman FM, Dr Dwamena said he had consistently advocated for a debate among aspirants and was reiterating the call because of the importance of the upcoming contest.

“I have said it at many places, and I want to say it again: the position of the General Secretary is very important to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s victory,” he stated.

He argued that the party should organise a debate before the election to allow all candidates to present their track records, explain their vision and tell delegates what they intend to bring to the party if given the mandate.

Dr Dwamena said such a debate would allow delegates to properly assess the candidates based on their competence, experience, achievements and proposed programmes rather than on financial strength.

“I think that it is time that even before the election, there should be a debate for those who have come to contest for all the positions. Let us have a debate. Everyone should show what he has done before, and everyone should say what they are bringing on board,” he said.

He explained that the exercise would enable party members and delegates to carefully examine the various candidates and determine who truly deserves to occupy the positions being contested.

“So that we check and assess and say, indeed, this person deserves the position,” Dr Dwamena added.

The NPP National Treasurer stressed that the party’s internal elections should not become a contest dominated by money. He believes that candidates should be judged primarily on their records, ideas, leadership capacity and ability to contribute to rebuilding the party.

He therefore urged the NPP to create a platform where aspirants can openly debate their plans and demonstrate their readiness to serve.

Dr Dwamena has formally declared his intention to contest the NPP General Secretary position. In his campaign, he has pledged to rebuild the party’s structures, strengthen discipline and restore confidence among members under the theme, “Let’s Rebuild to Restore the Love.”

He has also pointed to his experience as National Treasurer and his previous service at the NPP headquarters and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in China as part of the experience he would bring to the General Secretary’s office.

Dr Dwamena was elected NPP National Treasurer at the party’s 2022 National Delegates Conference, where he secured 2,917 votes in the contest for the position.

Dr Dwamena said the debate would allow delegates to compare the aspirants’ records, ideas and plans before deciding who is best suited for the General Secretary position.