It is 'disrespectful to be lobbying for running mate position' - Ursula Owusu-Ekuful

The Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has criticized the ongoing lobbying efforts aimed at influencing Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's choice of a running mate for the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) ticket.

She expressed her disapproval during a radio interview on Accra-based Citi FM on Monday morning, June 24, 2024.

Owusu-Ekuful, who has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the position, emphasized the importance of allowing the flagbearer to make an independent decision.

"Let him be given the space to choose the person that he best thinks can partner him. I mean, I think it is even disrespectful for people to be lobbying as if he can't make a choice," she stated.

While she believes that having a female running mate would be ideal, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful is against the idea of lobbying for such a position.

"It is the will of the flagbearer, and he should be given the space to choose a running mate," she reiterated.

Owusu-Ekuful has long advocated for increased female participation in Ghanaian politics.

She argues that both the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) should implement policies to ensure more women are fielded in their strongholds, aiming to boost female representation in Parliament and consider women for running mate positions.

Her comments come amid heightened speculations and discussions within the NPP regarding potential running mates for Dr. Bawumia.

Many have concluded that the three NPP members in contention, all of whom serve as cabinet ministers and hold seats in Parliament, are Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, representing the Bosomtwe Constituency and serving as the Minister for Education; Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (commonly known as Napo), representing the Manhyia South Constituency and serving as the Minister for Energy; and Bryan Acheampong, representing Abetifi Constituency and serving as the Minister for Food and Agriculture.

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