Former Majority Leader in Parliament and Campaign Manager for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has indicated that the NPP flagbearer is likely to select his running mate from southern Ghana, citing regional balance and long-standing political tradition.
Speaking on Atumpan FM, the former lawmaker explained that geography remains a critical factor in the selection of a running mate, particularly given Dr. Bawumia’s background.
“Dr. Bawumia is from the north, which now has five regions,” he said. “This makes it difficult for him to pick a running mate from the northern part of the country again, unless the person is exceptionally outstanding.”
According to Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, balancing the ticket geographically is both a strategic and cultural consideration in Ghanaian politics.
He cited historical precedents to support his argument, noting that even leaders who hailed from the south sought regional balance in their ticket choices.
“Former President Rawlings picked Atta Mills from the south even though he himself was also from the south,” he noted. “President Kufuor did the same with Aliu Mahama.”
The former Majority Leader further stressed that ethnic and regional diversity plays a key role in building a nationally acceptable ticket, adding that it would be difficult to pair two Akan candidates together.
“In all, it is difficult for the NPP to take two Akan people,” he stated. “Our tradition permits us to use people from different parts of the country.”
Based on these factors, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu concluded that there is a strong likelihood that Dr. Bawumia’s running mate will emerge from the southern sector of the country.
“So there is a likelihood that he will pick someone from the south,” he said.
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