2024 Elections: Mahama Announces Date To Name Running Mate With Criteria

Former President, John Dramani Mahama says the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will choose his running mate for the next election in 2024.

This was in response to calls from some traditional authorities in Asunafo South for the flagbearer to consider their MP, Eric Opoku for the position.

Already, the queen mother of the Bono Traditional Council has made similar calls for a Bono native to be chosen for the role.

But the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 elections, Mr Mahama said, in as much as the role is important there are laid down procedures for choosing the right person.

Mr Mahama, at one of the public engagements in the Ahafo Region, called for calm as the party looks forward to making the decision.

He told the gathering; “What I will say is that, just like custom has it, our party also has processes to select candidates for various roles.”

“It is the Presidential candidate, National executives, and Council of Elders who come together to select a running mate. But that process will start next year. So keep praying for such a time,” Mr Mahama explained.

 

 

Running Mate Names shortlisted

Some names were reportedly floated as among the last shortlist of Running Mate discussion in the NDC.

Some of the names that are said to be in a final shortlist of discussions among senior decision-makers of NDC include the 2020 Running Mate, Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, Former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah; Former CEO of BOST/TOR, Kingsley Awuah Darko and Ex-Police Chief Retired COP Nathan Kofi Boakye.

Apart from Julius Debrah and Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, the two other names hail from the Ashanti Region.

A last name mentioned to this portal is current “ambitious” NDC Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah who has told close sources including Mahama “not to rule him out” if the permutation favours him.

Following the election of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the ruling NPP flagbearer, there is increasing pressure on John Mahama to settle on a running mate before the NPP does.

Clear indications from inside the NPP show Dr. Bawumia may choose a sitting NPP MP as the Running Mate.

Sources said, Mahama may be considering maintaining 79-year-old Literature Professor, Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang as his running mate for 2024, but some close advisors strongly doubt her capacity after a poor showing in 2020 in her home region.

There is increasing pressure for Mahama to choose a more charismatic Akyem or Ashanti Running Mate before Bawumia does.

The name of retired Commissioner of Police (COP) Nathan Kofi Boakye two mo ths ago emerged as a strong Contender for the NDC Vice Presidential slot.

Kofi Boakye, like Awuah Darko, hails from the Ashanti Region where the NDC may be scouting for a running mate should Mahama decide to change Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang. Many people within the party have been suggesting the retired police could serve the needs of Mahama better than the former University of Cape Coast Vice-Chancellor.

Supporters of candidates like Julius Debrah and Awuah Darko say they have resources and networks that could be key in the prosecution of the 2024 campaign.

Julius Debrah is said to have a personal friendship and rapport with the former President that will make their work easier.

Awuah Darko on the other hand comes from a rich Ashanti Royal family with deep roots in Finance and insurance. He is also said to be very close to John Mahama and is trusted by the latter.

Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang on the other hand has started intense lobbying to be maintained, sources told this portal.

Dr. Ato Forson who was under consideration himself pulled out and threw his support for “grandma’s” bid to unite the Central Region.

Ato Forson is said to be a Minister of Finance in waiting should John Mahama win the next election.

 

 

 

 

 

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