Mahama’s running mate: more names being tossed around

As the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer, John Mahama, continues his campaign tour with the theme “Building the Ghana We Want,” key party leaders in the south are vying for his attention for the party’s vice-presidential slot. Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, is the latest contender to emerge for the position. This is despite the strong competition from former Minister of Education, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who was the running mate to former President John Dramani Mahama in the 2020 election.

Other potential contenders for the vice-presidential slot include former Chief of Staff to President Mahama, Julius Debrah; economist Dr Nii Moi Thompson; Member of Parliament for Asunafo, Eric Opoku; and retired Police Commissioner Nathan Kofi Boakye.

Mahama is expected to announce his running mate later this month or early March, amid intense lobbying from various power blocs within the party and interested stakeholders across the country. Despite the competition, party insiders believe Mahama will stick to the choice of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, especially since the Central Region has proven to be a decisive area in presidential elections.

The special aide to the flag bearer of the NDC, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, advocated for the re-selection of a female running mate for Mahama in the 2024 polls, potentially boosting Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s chances. The Change Makers Forum also emphasized the potential impact of the NDC’s choice of running mate and urged Mahama to select the respected paramount chief, Togbe Afede, as his running mate.

Traditional authorities in the Asunafo South of the Ahafo Region have recommended their Member of Parliament, Eric Opoku, for the position. However, Mahama has emphasized the need for a clear and structured procedure in selecting the most suitable individual to join him on the NDC ticket.

The upcoming presidential vote is expected to be closely contested, as no party has won more than two consecutive terms. The choice of a suitable running mate to the flag bearer is crucial to the opposition party’s success in reaching the seat of government, Jubilee House.

Mahama, who has been seeking the opportunity for a second term since 2016, will be facing Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the ticket holder for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the December 7 poll.