Okudzeto slams offensive Veep lobbyists

A deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah has described as very offensive, the intense angling and jostling by some people in the ruling NDC to secure the Vice Presidential slot.

Different groups and individuals have come out to angle for their preferred candidate to partner President Mahama as he serves out the remaining five months of late President Mills’ first term ahead of the December elections.

Some of the names being clamoured for include Trades Minister Hannah Tetteh, former defacto Prime Minister P.V Obeng, Former Finance Minister Dr. Kwesi Botchwey and former National Reform Party Presidential candidate Goosie Tanoh.

Others include Local Government Minister, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Lands Minister Mike Hannah, CEO of the National Health Insurance Scheme Sylvester Mensah and former NDC Presidential Aspirant Ekwow Spio Garbrah.

Two youth groups in the Volta region say they want either the second deputy chief of staff Alex Segbefia or former CEO of the Tema Oil Refinery Dr. Kwame Ampofo.

The Party’s Ablekuma North Parliamentary candidate is also pushing for a youthful Vice President and has threatened to rally dissension against the selection of any of the old hawks.

But Mr. Ablakwa told Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana Programme on Friday that most of the leaders in the NDC find the intense lobbying very disgusting.

“Most of us in the NDC are very offended by the open lobbying that is going on for the running mate slot. I was in a meeting yesterday and Stalwarts in the NDC were very offended.

“I do know that there is going to be a statement today to warn all those party activists who are issuing statements and sending text messages to desist, it is going to be the President’s choice.

But the Communications Director of the main opposition NPP, Nana Akomea blames the NDC leadership for sparking the jostling with the recently national executive committee meeting which endorsed President Mahama as Flagbearer of the party pending his popular acclamation not later than September 1.**