Anyidoho's selection not based on tribalism – Mornah

The ethnicity of Mr Emmanuel Anyidoho was no factor in his selection as vice-presidential hopeful of the People’s National Convention (PNC), the National Chairman of the party, Bernard Mornah, has clarified.

“It was not based on his Ewe background,” he told Class FM’s Naa Dedei Tettey shortly after the announcement of the nomination.

A five-member committee mandated by the National Executive Committee (NEC) selected the Harvard-trained economist to partner the party’s five-time presidential aspirant Dr Edward Mahama.

Mr Anyidoho has, in the past, worked with the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), and the Ministry of Finance and has also lectured at the University of Ghana. Some political analysts have suggested Mr Anyidoho’s Ewe ancestry could have played a role in his nomination.

But Mr Mornah has downplayed such suggestions. According to him, even though a northern-southern or southern-northern partnership is often preferred in the presidential and vice-presidential aspirant mix, Mr Anyidoho’s tribal background was no factor in his being picked for the role.

“We realised that he had an impeccable record to match with the outstanding credentials of Dr Mahama. … It was based on his competence and what he brings to the PNC,” he added.

The party believes Mr Anyidoho’s “humility, grasp of the Ghanaian situation, and his exemplary and visionary leadership” will guide the party to win the 2016 elections scheduled for December 7.

The party said it would schedule a date to introduce Mr Anyidoho to the electorate.