As Ghana prepares for the highly anticipated 2024 general elections, the stage is set for a showdown between the two dominant parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Both parties recently unveiled their running mates, setting the tone for what promises to be an interesting electoral contest in Ghana's history on December 7, 2024.

For the opposition NDC, led by flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, the choice of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate earlier this year was met with approval and anticipation.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is known for her distinguished career in academia and her tenure as Minister of Education during the erstwhile John Mahama administration.

With a vast wealth of experience in education policy and administration, many party faithful and individuals believe she brings a unique touch to the ticket.

It will be the second time Professor Opoku-Agyemang will team up with John Mahama to contest a general election. In 2020, she was on the NDC ticket as the running mate in an election that ended up at the Supreme Court after a petition was filed by John Mahama and the NDC over voter irregularities.

Subsequently, the apex court ruled in favor of the governing NPP, led by President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

On the other hand, the governing NPP took time to deliberate before selecting Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh on July 4, 2024 to join Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as their running mate for the 2024 polls. Dr. Bawumia was elected as the flagbearer of the NPP in November 2023.

His running mate, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, is also a former Minister of Education, recognized for his role in advancing educational reforms and is expected to contribute his expertise in governance and policy implementation to the NPP's campaign.

In recent years, the running mate role in Ghanaian politics has evolved from a ceremonial position to one of substantive influence and responsibility.

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in particular, has been touted for his proactive leadership in spearheading various government initiatives and policies, underscoring the increasing significance of the vice presidency in national governance.

Looking ahead to the 2024 elections, both Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh face the daunting challenge of articulating their vision for Ghana's future and demonstrating how their respective experiences and capabilities can contribute toward addressing Ghana's pressing issues.

For most battleground areas ahead and during the December polls, expertise in economic development, social welfare, education, infrastructure, and others could prove pivotal in relation to their records as former education ministers.

As citizens examine the prospects and credentials of these running mates of the NPP and the NDC, it remains clear that the 2024 elections will mark a crucial juncture in Ghana's democratic history.

For now, the stakes remain higher than ever, with voters looking at the leadership qualities and policy agendas of Dr. Opoku Prempeh and Prof. Opoku-Agyemang and what they will bring to the table as they aim to make an informed choice in the minds of the average Ghanaian.

Here are some interesting things about the two vice-presidential candidates presented as bullet points:

Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang:

• Served as Minister of Education from 2013 to 2017 under the Mahama administration.

• Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, first female Vice-Chancellor of a state University in Ghana.

• Prominent personality from the Central Region.

• Honored with honorary degrees from the University of West Indies and Winston-Salem University.

• Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has not held a position in parliament but is experienced in politics and governance.

• Second time nominated as Vice Presidential candidate of the NDC.

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh:

• Served as Minister of Education from 2017 to 2021 under the Akufo-Addo administration.

• Currently serving in the Energy Ministry since 2021.

• Royal from Manhyia Palace in the Ashanti Region.

• Member of Parliament for Manhyia South for 4 terms.

• Received accolades for leadership and service in the education sector, including for implementing the Free Senior School Policy.

• Received honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Education Winneba (May 2021) and University of Professional Studies (July 2021).

• First time nominated as Vice Presidential candidate of the NDC.

MA/EK