Political analyst Dr. Kwabena Bomfeh has urged Ghanaians to interpret pre-election polls with caution, emphasising that the ultimate measure of support will be the election outcomes themselves. Speaking on Newsfile on January 23, Dr. Bomfeh acknowledged the usefulness of polls as guides, but warned of their limitations and inherent biases.
“Polls are good to the extent that they serve as guides, but I maintain that there is no better poll than the vote outcome,” he stated. He highlighted that many polls may be influenced by the agendas of those commissioning them, noting that data can be used either to gauge public opinion or to sway voter behaviour.
Dr. Bomfeh stressed the importance of rigorous scientific methods in polling, cautioning that results should be analysed critically. He also pointed to the “dark side of research,” where different interpretations can be presented to different audiences, underscoring the potential for manipulation.
He urged political actors and supporters within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prioritise unity ahead of the upcoming primaries on January 31, asserting that the party’s cohesion before, during, and after the election will determine its stability and public perception.
“Unity is what everybody must prioritise, not only within the party but in the broader political context,” he said, adding that conduct during this period is crucial to the party’s future.