Learning From The Past, To Arrive At Victory 2024

The Caucus for Democratic Governance-Ghana (CDG-Gh) recollecting the results of the 2019 NDC flag bearer elections, can confirm that JM pulled over 94% of votes cast. His present popularity and the empathy of the people predict a sweep-over in 2023 flag bearer race. Going into 2024 general elections, JM would require a running mate who brings one touch victory. A Running Mate who has lost once cannot be presented the second time; says the grass root wisdom that has guided NDC Presidents through the 4^th Republic.

Horrible Haircut
Ghanaians are hungry and jobless, crippled by heavy taxes. Even monies from our private momo wallets are being taxed. The dichotomy of horrible haircuts which dissipates the life savings of pensioners; and their inability to pay for their medical bills is a paradox, which only Akufo Addo can understand. Inflation is over 54% and the exchange rate is 1:13 cedis. As a result of reckless borrowing, rating Institutions have rated the cedi as junk. Conditions are “hard” and the people of Ghana are crying for JM to come back. Let us choose the right Running Mate to complete the NDC victory.

Center-Left Party
The NDC, since the 4^th Republic, has always been a centre–left Party with Social Democratic, none aligned principles. As a result, the NDC-Presidents have always selected their Running Mates with Social Democratic training. Ekow Nkansen Ackaah, John Evans Atta Mills, Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, were all cedars. Former President John Mahama (a former Running Mate to Prof Mills) was himself trained in the Soviet Union, the birth place of Socialism. The exception, since the birth of the 4^th Republic is Prof Naana Opoku Agyeman who also lost the 2020 election. This shows that NDC was always going in the direction of Dr Nkrumah and JJ Rawlings for spiritual direction and strength.

Vice Presidential Nominee of NDC

It is worth knowing, that all NDC Presidents have had to change their Vice Presidents at one point or the other. Late President JJ Rawlings changed his Running Mate (RM) before he went in for his second term. His first RM was Ackaah, who comes from Winneba ( his root was Nzema). His second term Vice President was Prof Atta Mills who was trained at the Ideological Institute at Winneba. Late Prof Mills changed his Running Mate (RM) after each attempt. After his first attempt, he changed Martin Amidu and took Alhaji Mumuni for his second attempt. His third attempt was with a third RM, HE John Mahama, who brought him his victory.

NDC PRESIDENTS AND RUNNING MATES

Table 1 : As a result of the defeat in 2020, RM has to be changed. RM with cadre background of Rawlings and Dr Nkrumah would assure the Ghanaians of our Social Democratic principle of Social welfare, work and happiness for the people. Besides the extreme right principles of terror disrespect for the people, intimated by Akufo Addo has to be obliterated and rejected.

Logic and Lesson
The lesson here is, you can only retain a Running Mate who brings victory. Running Mates who bring defeat are changed. Following this pattern, JM will be kindly advised to change his Running Mate before his third attempt. The late JJ Rawlings` second Running Mate was Prof Mills from Gomoa in the Central Region. As graduate of Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute, he is linked to the Nkrumah lineage. It is therefore imperative JM selects someone who would link him to the ancestral background of former President JJ Rawlings; that is, someone from Volta Region ; the “World Bank” of NDC. Our forefathers introduced a Constitution in the 4^th Republic that would bring development and make coups unattractive. Similarly, the NDC Party has a pattern and philosophy that seems to suggest that a Running Mate that does not bring victory, has to be changed.

Dr E.K. Hayford,
Rtd Senior Lecturer, UG, Legon
Former NEC Member, NDC
Former Council Member, University of Mines and Technology

Executive Director, Caucus for Democratic Governance (CDG, GH)

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