Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has fervently advocated for an end to discussions suggesting that the running mate for the flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, should hail from the Ashanti Region.
According to the politician, such notions are “archaic,” stressing the importance of shifting away from regional biases in political discourse.
“Who said the running mate is within the Ashanti Region? A running mate is within Ghana and a running mate is within Dr. Bawumia’s right to choose for the NPP, we should stop that conversation of he’s from here, he’s from there. Let’s use the principle of Ghana, let’s respect the flag and what it stands for and do better,” he told Nana Yaa Brefo and Isaac Ekow JB on Yen Nsempa, Onua FM, April 29.
Acheampong called for a paradigm shift in the way political leadership is approached in Ghana, urging Ghanaians to transcend regional biases and embrace a mindset centred on national unity and progress.
Acheampong reiterated Dr. Bawumia’s selection as not one contingent upon his ethnic or regional background, but rather on his demonstrated competence and leadership qualities.
“Dr Bawumia was not selected because he is from Mamprusi. He was chosen because of his competence and the next person to partner him is the one he chooses to select and that is the kind of conversation we should be having” remarked Acheampong, emphasizing the need to focus on meritocracy rather than regional affiliations.
Dismissing the importance of ethnic considerations in leadership selection, Acheampong emphasized the unity of Ghanaians, asserting, “We are all one people, we are all Ghanaians.”
He underscored the significance of choosing leaders based on their abilities and commitment to national development rather than their regional origins.
Addressing speculations about his candidacy as a potential running mate, Acheampong clarified that he has not been approached with such an offer. Nevertheless, he affirmed his “support for whomever Dr. Bawumia selects.”
