Former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against re-electing its old flagbearer, warning that such a move would have serious consequences for the party.

According to Prof Frimpong-Boateng, the current state of the NPP no longer reflects the values and principles of the party he once knew and served, a development he believes has weakened its credibility with the Ghanaian electorate.

The former minister was particularly scathing about the party’s internal electoral processes, alleging that the selection of its most recent flagbearer was marred by manipulation, bribery and intimidation.

“Look at how they elected their last flagbearer — twisting people’s arms, bribing delegates and intimidating others. This is how corruption begins, and no serious party or institution should tolerate it,” he stated.

He argued that the NPP’s heavy defeat in the last general elections has not been properly analysed, warning that returning to the same leadership choice without addressing the root causes of the loss would be a grave mistake.

“We lost the elections badly, yet we refuse to deal with the issues that led to that defeat. If the party goes back to elect the old flagbearer, it will be a trainwreck,” he stressed in an interview with Channel One TV.

Despite his criticism, Prof Frimpong-Boateng clarified that his comments were not motivated by personal hostility towards Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

He described the former Vice President as a “nice person”, but insisted that personal qualities alone are not sufficient for national leadership.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng further urged Dr Bawumia to clearly distance himself from individuals he said were responsible for the economic difficulties under the Akufo-Addo administration, arguing that such a step would demonstrate independence and help rebuild public trust.