A research think tank, the Center for Public Discourse Analysis (CPDA) has held its maiden Vice presidential permutations forum in Accra.
The forum was aimed at shaping public opinion and discussion on the selection of vice-presidential candidates for the various political parties and flagbearers ahead of the 2020 elections.
Dubbed ‘Campaign Analysis Live’, it was organized under the theme “The Vice Presidential permutations forum: An analysis of key qualities and contenders.”
The event was held at the Ghana Institute of Journalism.
Political communications analyst, consultant and author, Dr. Etse Sikanku who led the discussions at the forum said although the decision to choose a vice presidential candidate lies within the concerned political parties themselves, the consequence will be faced by Ghanaians and so there is the need for public discourse on the subject.
“We agree that the choice of the Vice President is the prerogative of the party and the candidate but public discourse surrounding a position which would be so consequential to the future of this country should any of the parties win, should continue rigorously,” Dr. Sikanku told Citi News.
He added that the aim is to enrich public discussions on the selection of a Vice Presidential candidate.
This maybe a novelty in Ghanaian politics, but it is part of the work of the media, civil society and academia to bring their expertise and positions to bear on such important issues and to critically drive discourse. The purpose of this forum is to contribute to enriching Ghana’s democracy by having a discussion on the Vice Presidential selection process and candidature, he added.
Many of the participants of the forum said it was insightful and called for more of such events to be held to deepen the country’s democracy through public participation.
Guests for the program included Dr. Akoto Boafo (Head of Current Affairs & Politics, Citi FM), Dr. Nansata Yakubu (Development Consultant & Democracy Engineer), Evans Mensah (Head of Political Desk, Joy FM), Dr. Kojo Asante (Director for Advocacy & Policy Engagement, CDD) and Prof. Yaw Gyamfo (Department of Political Science, University of Ghana & IDEG).