Why Bawumia should choose a young MP from the middle belt as Running Mate

As the 2024 general elections in Ghana approach, the political landscape is abuzz with anticipation. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is set to announce his running mate next month, and the suspense is palpable.

The suspense is building as Ghanaians eagerly await the announcement of Dr. Bawumia's running mate as the rumor mill is churning out a list of top contenders, including heavyweights like Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Minister for Energy; Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Chairman of NPP's 2024 Manifesto Committee; Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament; Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister for Education; Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the Minister for Employment, Pensions and Labour Relations; Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister for Works and Housing, and the relatively unknown Paul Apreku Twum-Barimah, MP for Dormaa East.

While the field is packed with talented individuals, insiders hint that after several months of lobbying and maneuverings by vested interests to ultimately clinch the coveted number two spot in the NPP, the candidate is closed to settling on a young MP. Who will it be?

Also, sources within the campaign team and close to the Flagbearer suggest that the Vice President hopeful will hail from the middle belt of the country, comprising the Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Eastern and Ahafo regions.

This strategic decision is believed to be the culmination of months of jostling by key stakeholders in the party. But what drives Dr. Bawumia's choice?

The answer lies in his priorities: compatibility, voter mobilization, youthful charm, religious balance, and closeness to the church.

The 'chosen one' will embody these qualities, making him an attractive asset to the NPP ticket.

Whilst, it remains unclear what has shifted the focus from the two major contenders from the Ashanti Region, it's believed that the depeening cracks in the rank and file of the party along the these personalities in the area may have contributed to this development .

Dr. Bawumia's campaign, which kicked off months ago, has been gaining momentum. In the past week, he was on a 3-day campaign tour of the Ashanti region, where he outlined his vision for Ghana's economic growth, technological advancement, and job creation.

It is anticipated that the selection of a running mate from the middle belt will constitute a smart move to consolidate electoral support in this critical zone.

As the clock ticks down to the announcement, Ghanaians are on the edge of their seats, eager to know who will be Dr. Bawumia's partner in the upcoming elections.

One thing is certain: the choice will have far-reaching implications for the country's political landscape and the NPP's chances at the polls.