As the much-awaited 2024 general election draws closer, there are heightened pressure from the grassroot on the leadership of National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) on who becomes the next running mate to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama as the party get ready for the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The concept that the NDC should select a running mate from the Volta Region the supposed “world bank” of the NDC. This could be a smart move for the NDC for a number strong reason. The Volta Region has historically been a significant foundation of support for the party, first and foremost. The NDC almost won all 18 parliamentary seats in the 2020 elections, as well as more than 80% of the presidential vote. By choosing a running mate from the Volta region, the NDC could energize its base in the region and potentially increase its chances of winning more seats and votes.
Second, there are a number of well-known and seasoned politicians who may make great running mates in the Volta region. Hon. Samuel Okudjeto the member of parliament North Tongu and Hon. Zanetor Rawlings the member of parliament Korle Klottey the daughter of the founding father of the NDC late Jerry John Rawlings even though she is not an MP from the volta region but a native of the region are just a couple of the names that have been mentioned as potential possibilities. These two people each have a wealth of political experience and have a lot to offer the ticket.
Thirdly, by selecting a running mate from the Volta area, the NDC may be able to refute the idea that it is a party that primarily advocates for the interests of a small number of ethnic groups. The party has previously come under fire for being overly preoccupied with the needs of the Ewe people, who make up the majority of the population in the Volta area. By choosing a running mate from the region, the NDC could demonstrate that it is a truly national party that represents all Ghanaians.
Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks to choosing a running mate from the Volta region. For one thing, it could be seen as pandering to a specific region or ethnic group, which could turn off voters in other parts of the country. Additionally, there are other factors that could be more important than regional identity in selecting a running mate, such as their experience, qualifications, and ability to help the party win votes.
Ultimately, the decision of who the NDC should choose as its running mate will depend on a range of factors, including regional considerations. While there are arguments for and against picking a running mate from the Volta region, it is clear that the party will need to carefully weigh all of these factors before making a final decision. If the NDC can find a running mate from the Volta region who is highly qualified, experienced, and able to help the party win votes across the country, then this could be a winning strategy for the party in the 2024 elections.
