Running mate slot: No need to be an economist - UG Professor

A political scientist at the University of Ghana, Prof. Kobby Mensah, says Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has proven that the country does not need an economist for the Vice President position.

He said the performance of the Vice President compared to how he has performed has proven that we don't necessarily need an economist to be our Vice President.

He said the issue of whether you are an economist or not and being part of the presidential ticket is a recent addition following the nomination of Bawumia as a running mate by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The lecturer was responding to a question about how Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang would chair the economic management team since she was not an economist.

Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, he stated, "I noted that the argument that you are an economist as a running mate and a vice president has fallen flat."

He said the argument is no longer tenable because he does not think the running mate of the NPP will be an economist.

Prof. Kobby Mensah emphasized that you don't even need an economist to be president. "In fact, when it comes to even running the central bank, there is evidence that shows that there are even people who are not economists who are actually ruining the central bank.

"The central bank needed an economist, but we've had people without an economic background," he added.

He explained that the most important thing is that the person has a reputation for protecting the interests of the people, and that includes not being wasteful, not being deceptive, and being honest and forthright with the people.

"I think that is what we need in a running mate."

When asked if the NDC was able to positively position the party's brand through the running mate's outdooring, he said yes.