I am not running for presidency in 2020 - Former Minister

Former Brong Ahafo Regional Minister and incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for Asunafo South Constituency Eric Opoku has dispelled media reports he is lacing his boots to contest as flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He indicates that Former President John Dramani Mahama remains the party’s strongest force advising that all activities must geared towards supporting and projecting him to lead the NDC in 2020.

“I fully support John Mahama to lead the party in 2020. It will be easier to recapture power “the MP said on Kumasi-based Nhyira FM Saturday.

The lawmaker downplayed views of political pundits claiming recapturing of power will be difficult for NDC with former President Mahama as the party’s flagbearer reiterating that it would rather be easier with him in charge

“Same political pundits predicted massive win for NDC but look at what happened after the 2016 elections. These pundits could also get it wrong if they say former President Mahama will not help”, he explained.

Eric Opoku who spoke to the station from United Kingdom used the opportunity to advise those who may be interested in contesting as flagbearers of the party to consider the supreme interest of the party.

Names like Former Ministers of Communications, Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Employment and Labor Relations, Haruna Iddrisu; Roads and Highways; Inusah Fuseini; Education, Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang; Foreign Affairs, Hannah Serwah Tetteh; Trade and Industry; Dr Ekow Spio Gabrah; Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, former Minister of State and Mahama Ayariga, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovations, are all reported interested in leading the NDC into the 2020 election.

Others reported to be interested in leading the party after Mr Mahama’s reign include former Ministers of Youth and Sports, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuije; Gender, Children and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur; former Brong Ahafo Minister, Eric Opoku; former Central Regional Minister; Kwaku Rickett Hagan; former Minister of State at the presidency, Rashid Pelpuo; and former majority leader and now 2nd deputy Speaker of Parliament; Alban Kingsford Sumane Bagbin.

The likes of immediate past Senior Policy Adviser and Head of Presidential Delivery Unit, Dr Valerie Sawyer; former MP for La Dadekotopon, Nii Amasah Namoale; former Chief Executives of NHIA, Sylvester Mensah; COCOBOD’s Dr Stephen Opuni; Eco Medical Village’s, Dzifa Aku Ativor; former KMA boss, Kojo Bonsu; 1st vice Chairman of NDC, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo; former Minister of Health, Alex Segbefia; MP for Klottey Korle; Dr Zanetor Rawlings; Anlo MP; Clement Kofi Humado and former vice President, Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur were also reported to be interested in the post.