Professor Ransford Gyampo, Research Fellow with the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), has cautioned politicians against the perception that once they become popular, any means is a sure way of canvassing votes from electorates.

He stressed that the notion is a mistake, hence politicians should ensure they have realistic policies and interventions to improve the livelihood of the citizenry.

“Go beyond media support or popularity to work out your votes. Popularity does not necessarily mean acceptance,” he said at a forum to discuss a publication, “The Primary Contenders”-Analyses of the 2018 NDC Presidential Primaries and Candidates”.

Prof Gyampo added that it is important that the aspirants seek clearance with respect to any issues bordering on the country’s constitutional provisions, to guide them in their quest to contribute to national development.

Mr Franklin Cudjoe, President of Policy Think-Tank-IMANI-Africa, who was also at the event emphasized the need for political leaders to come up with realistic plans that could be scrutinised.

Mr Cudjoe observed, “there are keen leadership qualities in all of them and what counted more was their ability to make accurate estimations and come up with equally suitable solutions”.