The unprecedented emergence of nineteen presidential aspirants within the New Patriotic Party speaks volumes of the keen contest. Aspirants are vigorously criss-crossing the entire country selling varied messages to move the nation forward. Almost all are giving concrete visions and aims to take the country to the next level. Each one of them is standing out proudly trumpeting his contribution to the party and nation over the years. This spirit of intense competition spells much for democratic freedom within the ruling party. But, is that necessary, The Vice-President His Excellency Aliu Mahama is capable and has acquired the requisite experience to positively impact the nation as president. Then why this hullabaloo? With the logical evidence available he is the most able with undeniable front-runner status in this bid.

In almost all presidential democracies notably the version practiced by political parties in the United States of America and other advanced democracies of which the N.P.P. is, should I say, ‘RELIGIOUSLY INCLINED' to, there is one practice universally acclaimed by all party faithful: This succession rule is generally accepted without much conflict by all opposing parties that a sitting vice-president is but, the obvious choice. This notion is perfectly normal with so much proof at hand to give conclusive evidence. Former United States president Clinton explicitly gave his support to his vice Al Gore, also Nelson Mandela gave firm support by appointing Thabo Mbeki then his vice to also succeed him. This form of tradition is the easiest way to peace and stability of a nation.

The president has confirmed his support for a so-called favourite candidate and I am in a dilemma because I only understand that by convention his vice should be his choice for truly this is the only path he can tread upon. The relationship between the first and second gentlemen of the land can be best described as very warm. Thus it is no surprise that the Head-Of –State puts so much confidence in him in his numerous travels abroad. As Vice-President he is acknowledged as the president’s most important and trusted confidant. He chairs cabinet meetings in the president’s absence a totally unimaginable experience which no other aspirant can boast of in their campaigns. Which brings a very paramount but interesting question to the fore? Why is his boss not giving him maximum support? This I staunchly consider, that the various comments by New Patriotic Party bosses that the unity of the party is secured is an apparent bluff with no consideration of the intense and imminent ramifications; it cannot be but a complete joke which needs no further critical analysis.

The N.P.P. is in a precarious fix to erase its image as an Akan based party that will always relegate northerners to the background as potential running mates and not presidential materials. The campaign machinery of the N.D.C. is already in place with their flag bearer making waves everywhere he goes. The main opposition party is a force to reckon with no matter the confidence of the incumbent government. The Akan dominance factor is a major factor to derail the N.P.P. which has been carefully crafted to sink into the hearts and souls of the minority groups in Ghana.

The need for the NPP as a matter of strategy to place Northerners in leadership to neutralize the strength of the NDC in the non-Akan areas, Zongo and settler communities cannot be over-emphasized.

Of the eighteen aspirants only one is of Northern stock. Akans make up fourteen of the remaining seventeen from the south. Fantastic statistics!

But with Aliu Mahama ahead in the race the December 22 Delegates Conference represents the finest opportunity the N.P.P. has to vindicate itself from accusation of 'Akanocentrism'.

Aliu Mahama is the most marketable and popular candidate. None of the candidates have had the chance to contest two successful general elections with the exception of the vice-president. He was the running mate to then candidate Kufour in the 2000 general elections, which eventually ousted the 20 year rule of the NDC-- an impossible task, judging by the immense resources and state apparatus the NDC had at its disposal. Aliu’s nomination will depict a scenario of continuity and inevitable victory against the opposition NDC.

The NPP bosses must acknowledge the obvious fact that the NDC still carries huge following and thus not looking beyond intra-Akan tribal rivalry within the party would be very expensive for the party. The campaign machinery of the NDC is already in place relentlessly wooing the public. The door-to-door and ‘I CARE FOR YOU' strategies are making in roads even into NPP strongholds. Thus it is a prerequisite for the delegates of the ruling party to put their weight behind the only aspirant who has two general elections against Prof. Evans Atta Mills to lead the party.

The ethnic card must thus be seriously regarded in this leadership race as a tricky one which must be tackled dispassionately and with sincerity by all party stake holders. I t is derogatory for the second highest office holder of the land to be subjected to be rejected by the party on tribal grounds. The NPP must prove that it is a united.

He deserves the nod owing to his impeccable record and exemplary conduct as Vice-President, with not a single allegation of corruption or abuse of office. His humility and approachability is the talk of the town. His limpid respect is greatly admirable. The joyous crowds which follow throughout the country tell a wonderful tale of extraordinary support which no other aspirant enjoys.

The vice-president so far has exhibited pragmatic and d selfless approach to various issues affecting the ordinary man on the street. Ghana needs a visionary leader to inspire. Our vice is the obvious choice with his immeasurable wealth of apprenticeship under President Kufour. Alhaji Aliu Mahama is the man of the moment.

And it should not fail to be noted that, in the rare instances were a sitting vice-president is not the choice for leadership, it has been the case of extreme and irreparable bad relations with the sitting president. This situation does not exist in Ghana today; thus there is no conceivable reason why the New Patriotic Party should jettison the opportunity for a smooth transition.

However, the evidence is now clear that the New Patriotic Party rank and file have woken up to the situation. This can be seen in the massive support Aliu Mahama is having throughout the country. There is good reason that the longest serving Vice-President of Ghana will by 22 December emerge leader of Ghana’s largest political party.

This will echo the happenings in South Africa were former vice-president and deputy ANC leader Jacob Zuma is leading the race to succeed Thabo Mbeki as leader; having the support of the party grass root and organs. But the opposition to the leadership of Jacob Zuma is causing major splits and mass disapproval.

There is one difference however; the ANC is on a much stronger footing than the NPP. An Aliu leadership is the only solid guarantee for party cohesion and victory in the 2008 general elections.

BY: YAW ANKUMAH SEY, Agona Swedru.
Email: yawsey9000@yahoo.com