Former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Emmanuel Victor Smith is tipping a former Minister of Finance Prof Kwesi Botchwey as the running mate for ex-president John Mahama if the latter becomes the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress.
He says Professor Botwey, Ghana’s longest-serving finance minister is capable of managing the economy if given the nod.
“If I should advise Mahama on whom to pick as a running mate, I would recommend Dr Kwesi Botchwey because he understands the economy. He managed the economy well, he is respected finance minister,” he said.
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Prof. Botchwey is believed to be fast catching the ‘eyes’ of the NDC founder Jerry John Rawlings as a preferred candidate.
Some aspirants who have announced their bids to contest include Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Alban K.S. Bagbin; former NHIS boss, Sylvester Mensah and former Trade and Industry Minister, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah.
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Others include former UPSA Rector, Joshua Alabi and Kweku Rickett Hagan, former Central Regional Minister.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen Thursday, Ambassador Smith believes John Mahama is the best person who can lead the party to victory in 2020, and by extension, Prof Kwesi Botchwey will best fit as the best running mate for Mahama.
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“Normally every President sees the role of a finance minister as the best manager to the economy and so being Mahama’s VICE won’t be a bad option for him. Kwesi Botchwey has achieved so much and with his credentials, he will be the person to support Mahama to bring us [NDC] victory” he noted.