BARRING A last-minute hitch, the Convention People’s Party (CPP) will this week select its running mate from a shortlist of three candidates – Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, Dede Amano Wilks and Dr. Kwaku Osafo.

A party source however said Dede Amano Wilks appears to be the favorite among the three as her economics background would be of great benefit to Ghana if the party won the general election.

“If you look at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), they have chosen economists to partner the flag bearers, because it is important to have economists at the helm of affairs. It would not be out of place, indeed it would be beneficial for the whole nation if the CPP also chooses an economist for its running mate, as this would enhance debate on the economy,” the source said.

“Furthermore, she has the added advantage of being a woman. She would appeal to our womenfolk,” he added.

Dede Amanor-Wilks holds MSc and M.Phil degrees in Economic History from the London School of Economics, as well as an MA in Government and Politics in Africa from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).

She also studied journalism and communication at the University of Ghana.

Dr. Kwaku Osafo on the other hand, obtained an MA Economics at Stamford University, PhD in Applied Economics and MBA in Finance at the University of Ghana.

He had his MSc in Irrigation and Water Resources Engineering at the University of California and BSc Agriculture Engineering Civil Option at the Israeli Institute of Haifa Israel.

Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa was the former CPP flag bearer, former Director General of the Ghana Health Service and currently works as a pathologist at the University of Ghana Medical School.