By Emmanuel Oti Acheampong
The two majority political parties in Ghana, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have all completed their first phase of internal elections of National Chairmen and General Secretaries, a major gear-up for political activity ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024.
The race to presidential candidature is gradually picking pace from various suspecting and unsuspecting angles within the ruling NPP and opposition NDC. Some have made open declarations about their intentions to contest for the candidature while others have made their intentions known within the confines of their circles and teams.
With dates not fully set, billboards, posters, and other paraphernalia for these candidates have been seen springing up in some parts of the capital and other regions of Ghana.
We take a close look at people who have made their intentions known publicly to contest the flagbearship race for their respective political parties—NPP and the NDC.
- Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen
Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, made his intentions known in a national broadcast on Tuesday, January 10. The 67-year-old said he will pick the form when nominations are opened by the party after resigning from government.
2. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto
Former Minister for food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, resigned from the Government after presenting his resignation letter to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House.
Dr. Akoto’s move, according to close sources, is to allow him to concentrate on his presidential ambition.
3. Kojo Bonsu
A businessman and former Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly under the erstwhile Mahama and NDC regime from 2013 to 2016. He openly declared his intentions to contest the presidential candidature early in 2022. Flyers and posters for his contest have been seen with rising numbers in some parts of the capital and other regions.
2. Dr. Kwabena Duffuor
A businessman and former Finance Minister of Ghana and former Governor of the Bank of Ghana has also made his intentions known publicly to contest the flagbearership race on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress. His posters and billboards have also been seen flagging around some parts of the capital and other regions of the country.
3. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
A businessman and currently MP for the people of Assin Central in the Central region of Ghana. A maverick member of the ruling New Patriotic Party. Though his announcement to run for president came as a shock, his billboards and banners are gradually gaining roots across the country.
Though some prominent names are springing up within the rank and file of the two giant political parties with some state ministers resigning, the country and people are yet to see their billboards and banners flag the country.
