Mahama’s Running Mate ‘Confusion’ As Bawumia Zooms On Ashanti MP

Former President John Dramani Mahama’s choice of running mate is up for grabs with some names reportedly among the last shortlist amidst Bawumia’s Running Mate discussion.

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 Running Mate.

Sources told MyNewsGh.com 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. 

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Before then, the names known widely were Julius Debrah, Kingsley Awuah Darko and Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings whose chances were shot down by Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.

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. 

Source: MynewsGh