Historian and lawyer Anokye Frimpong, has extensively explored the issue of selecting a running mate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and has made a compelling case for considering Julius Debrah, a former Chief of Staff, for the position.
In an interview with the media, Frimpong emphasized that the NDC should not solely focus on choosing a running mate from a region presumed to guarantee electoral advantage.
He argued that the belief that having a running mate from a specific region, like the Central Region, automatically benefits the party is not entirely accurate.
Frimpong suggested that Julius Debrah, whose popularity surpasses that of Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the 2020 running mate, should be a top contender.
“Between Julius Debrah and Kojo Bonsu, as Julius is in Accra as Chief of Staff and the other one is the KMA boss, the Chief of Staff is primarily the prime minister and, in that position, he’s as known as the vice president. The Chief of Staff who knows and see everything of the president… at the Jubilee House, before you see the president, you must go through the Chief of Staff…
“And so, in that position as Chief of Staff, the truth I am telling you is that when he was campaigning with Naana Jane, nobody knew the woman, but as Chief of Staff, it would be hard for people to say they did not know him. So, if the NDC wants to cause a major change, this is the man they should be considering,” he explained.
According to Frimpong, Debrah’s role as Chief of Staff in Accra gave him significant visibility and influence, making him as well-known as a vice president. He emphasized that the Chief of Staff, being privy to all presidential matters, wields substantial political influence.
He went on to explain the political dynamics of regional demographics and their significance in NDC’s decision-making process.
Mr Frimpong debunked the notion that having a candidate from the Central Region automatically translates to electoral advantage for the party.
He pointed out that while Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang hails from the Central Region, it is not as electorally influential as the Ashanti Region.
Mr Frimpong elaborated that the Ashanti Region boasts over 46 constituencies where a common language is spoken, providing a substantial voter base.
He also mentioned that the Ahafo Region, though not Bono, is made up of Ashanti people.
Mr Frimpong further clarified the regional breakdown, emphasizing that Kwahu does not represent a distinct tribe, while other regions like Akyem, Akuapem, and Akwamu are separate tribal entities.
He highlighted that the Ashanti Region has 47 constituencies, Ahafo has 6, Assin has 3, and Kwahu has approximately 3, contributing to a formidable electoral bloc when combined.
In conclusion, Anokye Frimpong stressed the importance of understanding the intricate regional demographics and considering a candidate’s broader popularity and influence when selecting a running mate for the NDC.
“… the Assin areas: north, south, central, are all Ashantis. Technically-speaking, there is not tribe called Kwahu. We have the Akyem, which is a tribe… the Akuapem, which is also a tribe… the Akwamu, also a tribe, who have all fought with the Ashantis before, but with the Kwahu, they are Ashantis who are always fighting with their siblings… but they are 100% Ashantis…”
He added that “Ashanti has 47 constituencies, Ahafo has 6 constituencies, Assin 3, and Kwahu will have about 3 constituencies, and when you put them together, the numbers are really high, as against Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who is a Fante. And in the region, those who don’t know it think that everybody in the Central Region is Fante, but that is where the Assin people are and they speak Twi… same as Denkyira people who also speak Twi.”