Persons with ambitions of becoming the next presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party may not be appointed to hold any position in the second term of the Akufo-Addo’s government.
This is because such persons have reportedly been directed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to stay off his government as he prepares to nominate appointees for various positions.
According to Joy News’ report, the president in a meeting with potential presidential candidates of the NPP indicated his decision not to allow persons vying to lead the party in 2024 especially those whose intentions are known to hold positions in the second tenure of his government.
The president, the report said, contends that their ambitions will distract them from effectively delivering as members of his government hence, the directive.
This comes on the back of intensified campaigns by supporters of the NPP for their preferred personalities to be selected as the party’s next leader as president Akufo-Addo will be stepping down.
Already, Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan Constituency and former Minister for Railways Development, Joe Ghartey who contested the last primaries has indicated his intention to contest for the party’s flagbearership in the next presidential primaries.
Although Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has not disclosed intentions of contesting the party’s presidential primaries, there are campaigns for him to lead the NPP into the 2024 elections.
The president is said to have disclosed immediately after his re-election that Mr. Kyerematen and the Minister for Roads and Highways were the only two individuals he was sure of being given roles in his government.
It is, however, unclear whether the former Minister for Trade and Industry will still be considered for appointment following this development.
The Vice President is also one person who has been tipped to vie for the replacement of president Akufo-Addo as the party’s leader. Some supporters of the ruling party have mounted a spirited campaign both in the traditional media and on social media for delegates of the party to elect Dr. Bawumia as the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate.
However, this directive cannot be applied to the Vice President since he is an elected official.
