The hunt for who would partner the two candidates for the two major political parties in the 2024 elections has intensified.While opinion leaders are urging the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama, to choose his running mate from their regions, the ruling New Patriotic Party's Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has requested more time to make the decision, which the party's constitution requires to be made by December 6, this year.
During Mr Mahama's campaign visit to the Bono and Western North areas, some traditional chiefs asked to be nominated for the position.
Furthermore, several NDC youth groups in the Volta and Oti regions have demanded that the former President choose his running mate from the region considered as the NDC's stronghold.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alidu Seidu, Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, has encouraged John Mahama to choose an Akan as his running mate.
The hunt for who will partner the two candidates for the two major political parties in the 2024 elections has intensified.
While opinion leaders are urging the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama, to choose his running mate from their regions, the ruling New Patriotic Party's Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has requested more time to make the decision, which the party's constitution requires to be made by December 6, this year.
Some traditional chiefs requested that Mr Mahama be considered for the role during his campaign visit in the Bono and Western North areas.
Furthermore, several NDC youth groups in the Volta and Oti regions have demanded that the former President choose his running mate from the region considered as the NDC's stronghold.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alidu Seidu, Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, has encouraged John Mahama to choose someone of Akan heritage as his running partner.
He claims that the Akan votes, due to their dominance, can ensure the umbrella party's triumph.
"…because of the dominance of the Akan votes and the significant contribution the Akan vote can make to the NDC's victory in 2024 election," he went on to say.
Despite the fact that the five northern regions, as well as the Oti and Volta regions, form the backbone of the NDC, Dr. Seidu believes that their votes alone will not secure the party's power.
"So, I believe many people are urging him to look beyond the Volta region and perhaps to an Akan-dominated region." "The running mate should be an Akan from the Ashanti region or any of the Akan-speaking regions," he said on Joy FM in Accra on Thursday, December 14, 2023.
His recommendations also included selecting a candidate who can continue to head the party when Mahama's tenure ends, given he only has one term left.
Dr. Seidu, on the other hand, has stated that the traditional leaders lobbying for the position for their indigenes are doing so because of an anticipated development that they believe will come their way, and that those being lobbied for are doing so because of the respect they command.
In addition, John Mahama has stated that his running mate will be chosen in February 2024.
"I don't pick a running buddy on my own. "I, along with the Functional Executive Committee and Council of Elders, choose one person from a list," he explained.
He asked individuals who were pleading for their favored candidates to use moderation.
"I would pray for your patience, as we all know that God grants the King and the NDC doesn't discriminate."
In the 2020 election, Mr Mahama was partnered with Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, and some believe she will be retained, while others want to see a fresh face.
