There is an intense lobbying to replace Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the 2020 running mate to John Mahama following report that she has been dropped for the 2024 elections.
In view of this, several names have popped up for the vice presidential slot to pair with former President John Dramani Mahama.
Most of the potential candidates are people who have worked with him at various levels when he was the president.
Each candidate brings unique strengths and shortcomings that could impact their suitability for the role, with Mr. Mahama desperate to clinch victory having lost the last two elections.
With Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s failure to deliver the presidential votes in the Central Region, Mahama is searching for a candidate who will complement him with more votes.
Among the notable individuals being considered are Alex Kofi Mould, who previously served as the CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). With a wealth of experience in the energy sector and finance, Mould is playing his Ga and Ashanti card to give Mahama the needed votes to propel to the presidency once again.
Another prominent figure being considered is Kingsley Kwame Awuah Darko, the former boss of both the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) and the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). Darko’s extensive knowledge of the petroleum industry could prove advantageous to Mahama’s campaign, particularly in regions where the oil and gas sector plays a significant role.
Awuah Darko hails from the Eastern Region, prefers to be considered as an Ashanti man who can deliver votes to the NDC from the NPP stronghold.
However, there are some dark spots bordering on moral issues he needs to overcome.
Julius Debrah, a former Chief of Staff during Mahama’s tenure as president, is also among the potential candidates.
He has strong administrative skills with good interpersonal communication.
Having worked closely with Mahama in a key administrative role, Debrah brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the inner workings of government.
A Kwahu-Akyem stock having come from Suhum, Mr. Debrah is believed to be the man who can deliver victory to John Mahama on a silver platter.
However, those who are against his selection premised their arguments on his closeness to Mr. Mahama on assumption that he cannot speak truth to power.
Another name that has come out is Akwasi Oppong Fosu, a former Minister of Local Government. Fosu’s background in local governance could be seen as an asset, particularly in addressing grassroots concerns and rallying support from the party’s base.
Some critics see him as too laid-back and inability to click well with the power brokers in the NDC.
Sylvester Mensah, the former CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), is also being considered. His experience in the healthcare sector could provide a strong foundation for policies related to public health, an area of increasing importance in light of the ongoing global pandemic.
His selection may assuage Ga-Volta caucuses of the main opposition party.
Joshua Alabi, who previously campaigned for the NDC’s presidential nomination, is also among the potential candidates. Alabi’s experience on the campaign trail and his popularity within the party could make him a viable choice for Mahama’s running mate.
Some of his critics say he’s a spent force who cannot deliver the required votes for NDC victory.
Also in the race for consideration is Eric Opoku, former Brong Ahafo Regional Minister who enjoys the support of Lordina Mahama, the former First Lady.
As the competition for the Mahama vice presidential slot heats up, political observers and supporters eagerly await the final decision.
The selection of a capable and well-rounded vice presidential candidate is crucial for Mahama’s chances in the next election, as the NDC seeks to regain power and set the country on a new course.
In response to the unexpected news of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s exclusion as Mahama’s running mate, there has been speculation within political circles. While some party stalwarts are unhappy with the former president’s decision to seek a new running mate, Opoku-Agyemang is fighting to regain prominence and be reconsidered for the position.
Sources close to Mahama indicate that Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is not taking it low even though she is said to have been told to take a back stage for younger candidates who can be groomed to take over from Mahama in the event of NDC victory in 2024.
Her strong supporters, including Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who are part of Mahama’s inner circles, are pushing for her selection apparently for their own alleged selfish interest, sources told DAILY GUIDE.
To determine the most preferred running mate for Mahama, the NDC is conducting a listening survey among its delegates.
This democratic process reflects the party’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring the voices of its members are heard.
The nationwide survey will gather the opinions and preferences of NDC delegates, strengthening internal cohesion and unity as the party prepares for the 2024 elections.
However, it’s not clear if Mahama will accept the outcome since he has the prerogative to select.
Party officials have assured the public that the listening survey will be conducted transparently, adhering to the NDC’s democratic principles.
In the coming weeks, after thorough deliberation and consideration of the survey results, the NDC will announce its final decision on the vice presidential candidate. As the party and its supporters await the outcome, the future of the NDC’s leadership and its prospects in the 2024 elections hang in the balance three months after the election of the flagbearer.
By Vincent Kubi