The former head of the Political Science Department at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST), Dr Richard Amoako Baah, has advised the former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Opoku Onyinah, to reject the position of running mate to NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
The renowned political scientist justified that Dr Opoku Onyinah’s solid image as clergy is bad for politics because politics and religion cannot mix.
Dr Amoako Baah emphasized that switching to politics in the latter part of his ministry would damage his reputation and image.
“This is a horse race. It is not good for your image. It is not good for you as an officer of God. We say politics and religion do not mix, just step aside.
“He has principles, he has character and that is why I am saying what I am saying to him. He is more important in the service of God. Politics is not always clean, if he doesn’t know I am telling him now,” he explained.
Dr. Richard Amoako Baah further admonished the man of God to focus on serving his higher power and not to involve himself in ‘dirty’ politics.
“You occupy a great office, a higher office than President. You serve God. Please drop out of this race,” he stressed.
READ ALSO: Opoku Onyinah Dismisses Claims Of Being Bawumia’s Running Mate
Since the beginning of the year, there have been rumours that Dr Bawumia is considering Apostle Dr. Opoku Onyinah as his running mate.
In February this year, Dr. Opoku Onyinah addressed one of the rumours and emphasized his commitment to using his talents for the greater good, stating, “The Lord has a reason for creating me.”
He reiterated that his focus remains on serving his family, church, nation, and the world, emphasizing the importance of timing and maintaining a steadfast commitment to Christ in all endeavours.
Other speculations suggested that the NPP flagbearer is considering a female as a running mate in response to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) choosing Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as their running mate.
Although the NPP has not settled on a running mate, possible big names that have popped up include Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum; Chief of Staff, Frema Opare; the first female Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Professor (Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson; and Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.
Meanwhile, some NPP executives have revealed that Dr Bawumia will announce his running mate by the end of June 2024.