Dr Joshua Zaato of the University of Ghana says some leaders within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are already concerned about the growing political influence of Mahamudu Bawumia.

Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews, he argued that recent comments from NDC figures suggest fear and panic over Bawumia’s rising profile.

“General Mosquito is already scared about the record of Bawumia,” he said. “What are you afraid of?”

According to him, Bawumia has not yet officially begun campaigning, yet discussions about him continue to dominate political discourse.

“He has not been making promises, he has not started a campaign, but already they are warning people about him,” Dr Zaato added.

He further argued that Bawumia’s track record and public image continue to position him as a strong political figure.

“If powerful people in government are reacting this way, it tells you that a storm is coming,” he said.

“General Mosquito” is a popular nickname for Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo.

Dr Zaato maintained that the reactions from political actors indicate the level of attention Bawumia continues to command ahead of future political contests.