Claim: A Twitter user has claimed that Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has appointed Professor Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Verdict: False. Flagbearer of the NDC, John Mahama, has said that he will announce his running mate in 2024. DUBAWA also contacted a Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande, who refuted such claims.
Full Text
A Twitter news account associated with GhanaNews has asserted that the leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress, John Mahama, has selected Prof Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate for the upcoming 2024 general elections. This tweet has generated significant attention, amassing over 200,000 views and more than 4,000 likes.
In the tweet, the user said, “Just In, Mahama retains Prof. Jane Naana as his running mate for the 2024 elections.”
While some users have expressed skepticism about the claim, others have embraced the news, commending Mr Mahama for what they perceive as a wise choice.
Given that Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang served as Mahama’s running mate in the 2020 general elections, DUBAWA sought to verify the accuracy of this claim.
Verification
DUBAWA’s first inquiry focused on understanding the National Democratic Congress (NDC) constitutional provisions regarding selecting Vice Presidential candidates. Article 43 on page 62 of the party’s constitution, titled “Choice of the Vice Presidential Candidate,” states, “The party’s presidential candidate shall nominate a running mate in consultation with the National Executive Committee and the National Council of Elders of the party.”
In view of this, the question arises whether the party’s presidential candidate, John Mahama, has consulted with the National Executive Committee and the National Council of Elders regarding his choice of Prof. Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate. In an interview with a Deputy Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande, he suggested that Mahama has yet to make such an announcement anywhere and that he has expressed his intention to announce a running mate in 2024.
Despite this, DUBAWA also aimed to determine if Mr Mahama had made any official announcement regarding his running mate. A Google search unveiled Mr Mahama’s statement indicating that the announcement of his running mate is scheduled for 2024, aligning with the NDC’s plan. However, Mr Mahama provided hints about the likely candidate during his #BuildingGhana tour in the Bono East Region on Nov. 22, 2023.
During the tour, Mr Mahama urged party members to exercise patience and wait until 2024 for the official announcement. He disclosed that the likely running mate had previously served in his government as a minister, demonstrating effectiveness in discharging duties. He also emphasised that the individual must be humble and have a genuine concern for the welfare of the people.
Speaking in a local Akan dialect, Twi, he stated, “Everyone knows the nature of the person; the person is humble, knowledgeable, works for everyone, and served in his government as a minister, diligently fulfilling responsibilities.”
This can be found in the news report captured by JoyNews on its YouTube channel.
Conclusion
The claim that the flagbearer of the NDC, John Mahama, has announced Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang as running mate is untrue. Mr Mahama has indicated that he will announce a running mate in 2024.
