The President, Nana Akufo-Addo has waded into the deabte on which candidate is best qualified to succeed him as leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) when he finally bows out at the end of his second term.
According to him, he does not have a favourite in the race for control of the heart and soul of the elephant party which he has led since 2008 when he was first elected as its flagbearer.
In an interview with Kwame Adinkra on Kumasi-based Pure FM, the first gentleman said he will prefer the race will be an open one with each candidate being offered a level playing field to convince the delegates to vote for them.
“I can’t have a favourite to break the eight. My duty is to hold the balance but the duty has to be that of the party and whoever the party elects, that person is who I will support…,” he said.
He further added that he is prepared to throw his weight over the party’s choice in the 2024 elections.
“…God-willing, if I do have the strength, I will definitely campaign for the elected individual,” he assured.
President Akufo-Addo since his election has led the NPP into four major elections; losing two (2008 and 2012) and winning two (2016 and 2020).
With his tenure in office expiring after serving the constitutionally mandated two terms in office, several names have popped up as the people seeking to lead the party into the 2024 elections.
The names include the current Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Trades Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, Agriculture Minister, Afriyie Akoto and Commissioner for Economic Policy and Economic Research at the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku.
Many have claimed that the President is backing the sitting Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia against the Trades Minister, John Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten whose name have emerged as one of the forerunners in the race.
However, the President disagrees insisting that he has ‘no favourite’ in the political race.
