Kwesi Botchwey is a real threat to Mahama – Pollster

Papisdaff Abdullah.

Ghana’s lead pollster Ben Ephson has stated that former Finance Minister Professor Kwesi Botchwey will be a serious threat to former President John Dramani Mahama’s ambition of a comeback if he [Prof. Botchwey] decides to contest the Flagbearership slot of the Ghana’s largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Information gathered indicates that the former NDC Secretary is expected to make a strong case for the 2020 presidential slot of the party. This follows pressure from Senior NDC cadres, including party Regional Chairmen and former MPs who support his bid, demanding that he steps forward.

They have confirmed reports that Professor Botchwey is warming up to contest as the flagbearer for the NDC citing his economic prowess and credentials, his cross-sectional appeal and unblemished track record as ‘great assets’ for the party.

Ghana’s second deputy Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, the former Vice- Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, (UPSA) Joshua Alabi and former National Health Insurance Authority(NHIA) CEO Sylvester Mensah are some of the stalwarts in the NDC who have declared their intention to contest the flagbearership slot of the party.

Former President Mahama last week also stated his intention to lead the party ahead of the 2020 elections after reflecting on several calls on him to contest.

The Editor of the Dispatch newspaper, said Prof. Botchwey poses a real threat to candidature of Mr. Mahama.

“It will be interesting if Kwesi Botchwey contests for the NDC flag bearership…if he (Kwesi Botchwey) gets support from the Mills and Rawlings camp, he will be a strong contender for John Mahama.”

Mr. Ephson said the age of Prof. Botchwey won’t be a hindrance since President Akufo-Addo’s victory has broken that barrier.