Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and John Dramani Mahama
The Northern Caucus of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected any attempt to select Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as the 2024 running mate for John Dramani Mahama.
The decision was made during a recent meeting held by the caucus with the former President, urging him to reconsider his choice of running mate and his team of advisers.
The meeting, which took place ahead of Mahama’s recent trip to Canada and the United States for fundraising activities, brought to light numerous concerns regarding the selection of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who partnered him for the 2020 election without delivering the Central Region, her home base.
The caucus expressed reservations about her abilities and suitability for the role, prompting them to advise Mahama to reconsider his decision.
Opinions were divided, with many suggesting that Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang needs to be replaced and looked beyond the Central Region.
“Circumstances have changed since you selected Naana Jane for the 2020 election. Anyone who tells you that Bawumia will not have an impact in the Northern Region is misleading you,” one senior caucus member boldly stated. “Now that Bawumia is likely to gain votes in our supposed strongholds, what are we doing to secure votes in NPP’s strongholds, particularly in the Ashanti Region? A major challenge for us is how to prevent massive rigging in the Ashanti Region and Eastern Region.”
During the meeting, a member of the NDC Council of Elders directly informed Mahama that if care is not taken, the party could face a repetition of what happened in the 2016 elections, with embarrassing defeat.
The council member stated, “Your office and the party are far apart. We can’t continue doing the same thing and expect different results. I urge you to review your inner circle to ensure a smooth campaign and better cooperation with the party.”
Positions Shared
Recent reports reveal that positions of power have been shared among those close to Mahama, which is being viewed as outrageous and potentially detrimental to the party’s chances.
Although the meeting concluded without a clear resolution, Mahama assured the caucus members that he had heard their concerns and would address them upon his return from the USA.
Additionally, there is a growing desire within the party for a running mate from the Ashanti Region. Akwasi Oppong Fosu, former Local Government Minister, has emerged as a potential candidate who can garner support in Akan areas, having connections in the Ashanti Region, as well as the Western and Western North Regions.
Other individuals aspiring for the running mate slot are Eric Opoku, who is being pushed by Lordina Mahama, having come from the old Brong Ahafo Region; Julius Debrah, former Chief of Staff, from the Eastern Region; and Samuel Sarpong from the Ashanti Region.
The NDC has yet to officially comment on the rejection of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate, and it remains to be seen how Mahama and the party leadership will respond to the concerns raised by the caucus.
By Vincent Kubi