The Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has cautioned persons seeking to partner Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on the presidential ticket of the New Patriotic (NPP) to contest the 2024 elections not to bring any undue pressure on the candidate.
Following the election of the Vice President as the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party since November 4, 2023, names have popped up as potential running mates to complement the presidential ticket.
Names like Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Francis Asenso-Boakye, John Kumah, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Joseph Osei-Owusu and Mrs. Akosua Fremah Osei-Opare, all from the Ashanti Region, have come up.
Followers and supporters of these personalities have come out to tout the qualities and potentials of these politicians.
But the Majority Leader, in an interview with The Chronicle in Kumasi over the weekend, said the presidential candidate must not be pushed into making a hasty decision.
According to the Suame Lawmaker, it was the prerogative of the candidate to choose who his running mate should be, in consultation with the National Executive Council of the party.
He explained that choosing a running mate was not a mere exercise and must be based on some dynamics and acceptable guidelines.
He mentioned that with the candidate in the youthful age bracket and a Muslim, the running mate could be more elderly and a Christian and someone experienced in party organisation to partner him to bring stability and respect to the presidency.
The Suame Legislator of many years also said, with the candidate being an astute economist, someone who was seasoned in governance, and not overbearing, would be a perfect choice to complement the ticket.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted that the contributions and track record of a personality in governance to impact society was also another yardstick worth considering for the Veep slot.
He also cited age as another factor to consider in choosing the running mate, but most importantly the chosen person should be one who can win more votes in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
“With a young economist as a candidate to address the challenges of the economy, his partner should be well versed in rule of law and governance to ensure that democracy thrives,” the Majority Leader stated.
It is against these demands that Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu recommends that the candidate should be given a free hand under no duress to present an acceptable candidate in consultation with the party hierarchy.
Meanwhile, the Majority Leader has reiterated his position that the exit of Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen remained a worry to the NPP.
According to him, politics was about numbers, and that his votes could win an election.
He advised the party to try and engage him to come back, and hoped the former presidential hopeful takes a cue from the history of breakaway politicians and groups and consider returning to the NPP.
