We Have Agreed For Bawumia’s Running Mate To Come From Ashanti Region – Joe Osei – Owusu Discloses
Mr. Joe Osei-Owusu, MP for Asante Bekwai and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament
In the ongoing jostle for the coveted position of Vice Presidential running mate to the newly elected New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu has joined the chorus of voices advocating for the selection of a candidate from the Ashanti region.
Amidst intense competition among NPP Members of Parliament, prominent figures such as Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister for Energy; Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu; First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu; and Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum have emerged as potential contenders for the role.
In an exclusive interview with JoyNews’ Evans Mensah, Mr. Osei-Owusu confirmed the prevailing consensus within the party that the running mate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia should hail from the Ashanti region. He emphasized the importance of this regional choice, stating that it is seen as a strategic move to secure victory in the upcoming 2024 general election.
“It is generally agreed in the party that if Bawumia wins, his running mate should come from the Ashanti region,” Osei-Owusu affirmed, adding that he believes Dr. Bawumia has consented to this agreement.
While names like Osei-Owusu’s have been circulating as potential candidates, he urged patience and emphasized the need to allow Dr. Bawumia the space to make a well-considered decision. The First Deputy Speaker outlined the qualities the ideal candidate should possess, including integrity, respect within and outside the party, and the ability to complement the leadership style of the flagbearer.
“I agree that the person must come from the Ashanti region because, in our party’s dynamics, it would help a lot to select from the Ashanti region,” he explained, citing the significance of acknowledging the immense contribution of the Ashanti region to the party.
However, a member of the Bawumia campaign team, Sammi Awuku, refuted speculations that Dr. Bawumia has already decided on his running mate for the 2024 polls. Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Awuku emphasized that the Vice President is methodical in his decision-making process and will take his time to consult widely before making the right choice.
“For now, let me issue a disclaimer. The Vice President has not discussed with any member of his inner team or bigger team about his choice that he would be recommending to the National Council,” Awuku clarified.