The Centre for Public Discourse Analysis (CPDA) hosted its second Vice Presidential Permutation Forum, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive discussion on the selection of competent vice-presidential candidates for the political parties in Ghana in preparation for the December 2024 elections.
The Executive Director of CPDA, as well as the seminar’s moderator, Dr. Etse Sikanku, in his address, highlighted the significance of the Vice President’s office in national politics and development. Stressing its role in overseeing the country’s economic affairs, he called for a broader discourse on the selection of vice-presidential candidates. Drawing a parallel with the United States and other developed nations, he urged creating platforms for public input into the selection of running mates.
The forum aimed to provide a platform for in-depth discussions on the qualities and capabilities required in a Vice President for Ghana. Stakeholders explored the potential and records of accomplishment of potential candidates, aiming to foster a constructive dialogue on their capabilities once nominated.
Amidst the selection of flag bearers for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stakeholders exerted pressure on leaders from both parties to expedite the appointment of their running mates for the upcoming December 2024 general elections.
Sammi Wiafe, a seasoned journalist and Dean of the presidential press corps at Citi FM/TV, emphasized the crucial nature of the office and advocated for careful consideration in selecting a running mate to avoid last-minute decisions and unnecessary pressure.
In a previously published article, the journalist listed reasons why Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the NPP’s flagbearer, should select his running mate promptly. He argued that early selection would demonstrate readiness for the election, counteracting the perception of indecision. Mr. Wiafe also asserted that early selection allows the Vice President to focus on upcoming tasks, providing a firm foundation for the party’s goal to “break the 8.”
The NPP, as part of its campaign messages going into the 2024 general elections, has declared its intention to win a third term, making it the first political party to be in power for three consecutive terms (2016, 2020, and 2024).
Mr. Wiafe delved into various factors influencing the selection of a running mate and emphasized the importance of a strong friendship between the flagbearer and the Vice Presidential candidate, given their collaborative decision-making role. He also highlighted the necessity for the candidate to appeal to both party members and floating voters.
Additionally, he stressed the competence required to fulfil the duties of the Vice Presidency. The ability for an individual to stick to the cause, no matter the circumstances, can make that individual gain victory in every organization all set, Mr. Wiafe thus stated that it is important that the flag bearers consider a person’s loyalty to them as well as the party to qualify for the position.
In the realm of political dynamics, the Vice President assumes a pivotal role, serving as the president’s right-hand person and handling assigned responsibilities, particularly when the president is indisposed. Emphasizing the necessity for vitality in this role, Mr. Wiafe highlighted the imperative for the candidate to possess the energy required for such demanding tasks.
Addressing the intricacies of political campaigns, Mr. Wiafe underscored the considerable resources essential for successful political campaigns. Finance, time, and human resources, he asserted, play pivotal roles in ensuring a campaign is done well. With the aim of nationwide tours and collaborative teamwork, the availability of resources emerges as a decisive factor for a seamless and successful campaign.
Drawing from Ghana’s political historical context, he articulated that a judicious approach involves pairing a presidential candidate from the North with a running mate from the South, ensuring a harmonious geographical equilibrium. Mr. Wiafe, therefore, emphasized the significance of geographical balance when selecting a running mate.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nansata Yakubu, Programs Director for Reform Initiatives in Accra, Ghana, advocated strongly for prioritizing female candidates for the Vice President position.
Dr. Yakubu expressed concern over the limited opportunities for women in national politics across Africa, citing that only ten females have held the presidency on the continent.
“As we would have it, Africa has had only 10 females who have ever been in the office of the President,” she said.
Adding to that, “Out of the ten, only three were democratically elected,” and the other seven assumed power due to certain circumstances such as death and coup d’etat.
She also urged citizens to collectively demand that the NPP and NDC consider female vice presidential candidates for the 2024 elections. Specifically, she called on the NDC’s flagbearer, former president, John Dramani Mahama, to maintain Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang for the 2024 elections.
Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang is the first female to be selected to fill the vice Presidential candidate in the history of Ghana as far as the two major political parties in Ghana (NPP and NDC) are concerned.
Early next year, the flag bearers for the two major political parties NPP and NDC are expected to appoint their running mates.
So far, names that have popped up within the NPP inner circles are the Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Manyhia South in the Ashanti Region, the Minister of Education and MP for Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and MP for Bekwai in the Ashanti Region, Joseph Osei-Owusu.
There are also speculations of Dr. Bawumia picking a religious leader, former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Professor Kwadwo Opoku Onyina as his running mate to make a religious balance given the fact that he is a Muslim.
For the NDC, the names that have emerged as potential running mates are a former Minister of Education and 2020 running mate of former President Mahama, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the 2020 campaign manager of former President Mahama, Prof Joshua Alabi, a former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery, Kwame Awuah Darko, and a former Chief of Staff under President Mahama, Julius Debrah.
The CPDA forum concluded that in the quest to select any of the names that have emerged, the flag bearers must consider the aforementioned factors.