Head of History and Political Science Department at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, has revealed that, John Dramani Mahama’s candidature in the 2024 elections “will not be bad for the NDC”.

According to him, his appointment as the flagbearer for the party will be the best to contest against the main opposition.

Speaking in an interview, Dr Adu-Gyamfi noted that, the Mr. Dramani’s re-election will not put the party in jeopardy. He further revealed that, the selection of the flagbearer also shouldn’t be motivated by money.

“John Mahama’s candidature will not be bad for the NDC. I think that it will not hurt the NDC at all. Having said that, it is also within the wisdom of the party itself to look internally and ask themselves if they really think of maintaining him. That should be within their democratic arrangement and that is why I said that it should not be based on, for example someone saying that I have money so I have captured the party.

“I have money, therefore I can buy anybody within the party for that group or party to vote for me. It should be based on a certain legitimate call that resonates within advanced democratic culture, and so let us believe that within the NDC, they will make that determination and the electoral college will not be coerced whatsoever, or bought, or be induced, or there will not be any element of allurement here and there to get persons to take decisions that will not really support their true intent and what they aspire for, and I’m hoping for the NDC party to come through”.

Kunbuor has the right to share his opinion

Commenting on the recent criticism of Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor, a leading member of the NDC, Dr Adu-Gyamfi lauded his ability to share his view.

Dr. Adu-Gyamfi revealed that the former Minister for Defence is an intrinsic part of the party and as a result, his opinions matter.

“I need to say quickly in passing that, a lot of respect for Dr. Kunbuor, brilliant chap. He has the right to share his opinion, including even his sentiments about the subject. He being the key member of the party and having played a significant role thus far, you cannot push or shove his thoughts at all.

“But it is important for us to appreciate the fact that the NDC as a party needs to know that going forward, it is the electoral college that is going to make a determination as to who will lead the party to the 2024 elections”.

Goosie Tanoh doesn’t intend to be President

Earlier, Dr. Kunbour, had revealed that Goosie Tanoh, a founding member of the party, has not hinted of contesting for the party’s flagbearer position in the 2024 general elections.

“The issue on who becomes flagbearer has never been raised. I’ve known Goosie, he has never given any indication that he intends to succeed John Mahama. When I started hearing this, I said to myself, let’s be careful about profiling people”.

In view of this, Dr. Kunbour explained that the presence of Mr. Tanoh was not out of place because “he has always been a member of the party.”

“This is what most people do not remember. When the NDC was being formed, we had some capacity deficits. We needed technical inputs to guide the campaign which was on an uncharted course. So, we set up a research centre called the Forum. I was there, Goosie was there too as well as Larry Adjetey among others. That was the first serious technical and research office. That was what provided the critical base for a new political party that had never contested elections before.”