In a bold departure from convention, Professor Ameyaw Akumfi, a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the board chairman for the Public Procurement Authority, has set off a political firestorm by advising against exclusively considering the Ashanti Region for the party’s vice-presidential candidate.

The seasoned politician’s counsel comes in the wake of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s ascendancy as the party’s flagbearer, with rumors swirling that the NPP might choose a running mate from the Ashanti Region to complement Dr. Bawumia’s northern roots.

Akumfi’s contention is clear; the party must prioritize a candidate capable of garnering votes irrespective of their regional background. In an exclusive interview with Ghana360news, he advocated for granting the Vice President the autonomy to conduct his own search for a running mate, without imposition.

“We should allow the flagbearer to conduct his own search, while, of course, consulting. However, we need to focus on securing votes, and therefore, let’s evaluate individuals based on their merits,” Akumfi asserted. He further challenged the notion that gaining Ashanti votes hinges solely on selecting an Ashanti running mate, urging the party to deliver concrete results for the region instead.

This stark departure from conventional thinking within the NPP has ignited a fierce debate within the party ranks. While some applaud Akumfi’s call for a merit-based approach, others express concerns about potentially alienating crucial regional alliances that have historically been instrumental to the party’s success.

As the NPP grapples with this ideological divide, the nation watches intently, recognizing that the outcome of this debate could reshape the party’s electoral strategy and impact the 2024 election. Will the NPP heed Akumfi’s advice and embark on a new era of politics, or will regional considerations continue to hold sway? Only time will tell.

Source: Ghana360news.com