Amissah-Arthur won't attract voters to NDC - Victor Smith

The Eastern Regional Minister, Victor Smith, has slammed the decision of President John Mahama to nominate Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur as the Vice President saying he would not attract votes for the National Democratic Congress.

According to Ambassador Smith, the NDC must strategize well for the General election and must bring on board people who are better known and can command votes for the NDC in the upcoming December elections.

Speaking in an interview with XYZ News, Ambassador Smith said he has no problem if Amissah-Arthur is allowed to serve in that capacity for the next five months but will have "strong reservations" if he is confirmed to partner President Mahama for the December polls.

Mr. Amissah-Arthur who was nominated by President Mahama on Tuesday will face the Vetting Committee of Parliament on Monday to be scrutinized before he is approved.

But the former aide to ex-President Rawlings has publicly stated that President Mahama’s choice will not in any way attract voters to the NDC party.

He added that he is worried with the President’s choice because the nomination of Amissah-Arthur is a clear "gamble" which could strongly affect the chances of the NDC.

When asked who his preferred candidate would be, Ambassador Smith failed to give names but stated that President Mahama should have chosen somebody who has sacrificed and contributed more to the growth of the NDC party.

“People have been very active politically. Some of us have suffered so many inconveniences to bring this party this far…I don’t have a problem with him being a technocrat, but when it comes to bringing numbers to the table I have serious reservations that he will complement the charisma and quality of President John Mahama.”

“We need people who are better known and have died for the party…when you have not done anything for the party you don’t expect to be running-mate” Mr Smith added.**