Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has made a significant decision to seek a new running mate for the upcoming 2024 general elections.
According to a report published in the Daily Guide on July 28, 2023, Mahama has decided to drop Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who served as his running mate in the 2020 general elections.
The party is currently undertaking an extensive consultative process to determine the most suitable replacement for Professor Opoku-Agyemang.
Sources close to the former president revealed that a listening survey is being conducted among NDC delegates nationwide to gather their preferences for the new vice-presidential candidate.
The decision to replace Professor Opoku-Agyemang has sparked divisions within Mahama's inner circles.
While some continue to support her candidature, citing her previous role as the former Education Minister in Mahama's administration, others argue that she made minimal contributions to the NDC's performance in the 2020 election, particularly in her home region of Central.
Critics advocating for her removal propose considering candidates from regions other than Central to broaden the party's appeal to voters.
Prominent figures within the NDC have been mentioned as potential running mates for Mahama, including former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; former Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority, Sylvester Mensah; former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Joshua Alabi, among others.
During the recent wreath-laying ceremony for the late President John Evans Atta Mills, Professor Opoku-Agyemang was notably absent, reportedly away for a medical check-up.
However, she was seen at Mills' memorial lecture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on July 27, 2023.
The listening survey being conducted by the NDC aims to ensure a transparent and democratic selection process for the vice-presidential candidate.
While Mahama's inner circles mostly supported Professor Opoku-Agyemang, it remains unclear if the former president fully endorses the survey.
Political analysts speculate that the decision to drop Professor Opoku-Agyemang indicates Mahama's willingness to explore alternative options for his running mate.
The final selection will play a pivotal role in shaping the NDC's campaign strategy and voter appeal as they gear up for the highly anticipated 2024 general elections.
Party officials assure the public that the listening survey will be conducted fairly and in line with the NDC's democratic principles.
The announcement of the vice-presidential candidate is expected in the coming weeks, following a thorough consideration of the survey results.
With Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang out of the running mate options, the NDC and its supporters eagerly await the outcome of the listening survey, which will significantly impact the party's leadership and electoral prospects for the 2024 general elections.