A research group within the governing New Patriotic Party, the Patriotic Intelligence Network (PIN), has urged the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to consider a running mate with an Akan background ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The group emphasized the importance of choosing a running mate from an Akan background in order to secure the party’s votes in the eight Akan-dominated regions and improve the flagbearer’s chances.
Michael Ntiamoah Boadu, the group’s Director, stated that in addition to the campaign, the elected president would require a vice-president who is connected to the majority group in Ghana, hence the recommendation for an Akan running mate.
At this crucial point, the Flagbearer will have to exercise sound discretion and circumspection and settle on a compromise candidate with the capacity to mobilize voters nationwide, especially in the eight Akan Regions, and cooperate with him in government.
Nevertheless, the organization advised the leader not to choose an Akan candidate burdened with drawbacks or whose appointment could hinder the party’s achievements. They voiced their apprehension regarding the current situation in the Ashanti region, where the aspiration to become a running mate appears to be creating divisions.
This development portends danger that may deepen the party’s woes if lessons are not learned to guide the choice of the Running Mate. It’s worrying to hear the energetic members of the party in the Ashanti Region, who will certainly constitute the revolutionary team of the campaign, threatening a boycott if their preferred choice is not selected as Vice Presidential Candidate.
Uncharacteristically, members of the various factions in the Ashanti Region are so entrenched in their positions that a choice from either camp will deepen the cracks instead of fostering political cohesion and comradeship among Ashanti NPP members.
The organization is thus encouraging the leader to broaden their perspective and not limit their selection to individuals associated with different factions in the Ashanti region. Instead, they suggest considering a neutral candidate from the region or someone who is both credible and affable from Brong Ahafo, which is the home region of Prof. K.A. Busia. Additionally, this candidate should have social connections to either the Eastern or Ashanti region
Coming events, they say, cast their shadows before them; a Running Mate from the Ashanti Region, the bulwark of NPP, will potentially chase the Elephant into the bush, as the two factions have resolved to work against each other should they lose in their bid.
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