Mahama’s running mate: Prof Opoku-Agyemang, Nii Moi Thompson tipped as most likely options

Two names have emerged as the most likely options to partner the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Dramani Mahama, as he officially unveils his running mate for the 2020 presidential elections on Monday, July 6, 2020.

Although there are at least two other possible candidates for the running mate slot, former Education Minister, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and a former Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr Isaac Bannerman Nii Moi Thompson have been tipped as the most likely options.

Former Minister of Health and Deputy Campaign Manager for the 2020 elections, Mr Alex Segbefia and former Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor have also been mentioned as the two very likely candidates.

However, according to state-owned Daily Graphic newspaper, among the shortlisted candidates, Prof Opoku-Agyemang stands tall with Mr Segbefia and Dr Nii Moi Thompson as the outsiders.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NDC is expected to meet Monday morning and at the gathering, the party’s flagbearer will present his choice for a running mate.

“Party sources tell Graphic Online that Mr Mahama is likely to settle on Prof Opoku-Agyemang and also break the cycle of male running mate and getting more females into mainstream political decision-making in line with the party’s policy.

“If confirmed by the NEC, Prof Opoku-Agyemang, who is regarded as a woman of integrity, will become the first female running mate of the two leading political parties in the country [NDC and NPP]. Prof Opoku-Agyemang appears to be in a pole position among all with her gender, record as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a university; the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and a trained journalist,” the newspaper reported on Monday, July 6, 2020.

Dr Nii Moi Thompson, an astute economist, is a member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and brings to the table a wealth of knowledge in public policy and an impeccable reputation as an academic.

His affiliation with the CPP is likely to also work in the favour of the NDC as his selection as a running mate may warm the hearts of CPP members towards the NDC ahead of the elections.