The vetting of Presidential Hopefuls attracted so much interest across the country with each candidates’ varied support base exhibiting clear signs of anxiety and high expectation.

While none of the several who contested had eligibility challenges, tension appeared to be high even within the camp of former President John Dramani Mahama.

In my view, the only candidate who was by far the most composed, organized and seemed on top of issues as he demonstrated an array of skills is Sylvester Adinam Mensah.

The other candidates, to their credit, also performed well enough with each exhibiting peculiar skill sets in specific areas.

The view I get though, having interacted with some members of the vetting panel is that two of the contestants, Sylvester Mensah and Goosie Tanoh, appear to have done enough to impress the team, even though Sylvester Mensah was by far the more likeable contestant.

While the vetting panel did not rate the performances of the aspirants in any particular order, one of the panel members mentioned that the former NHIA CEO’s vision, alternate policies, job creation strategies, composure and forthrightness placed him a class above his competitors – a claim I strongly subscribe to. Sylvester Mensah is a man of the people, for the people indeed. He has a distinct way of approaching issues. His tact is one that surpasses the thoughts of many.

His ability to analyse and instantly suggest solutions to problems is outstanding.



With his caliber, Ghana, our beloved country, can hold on to a glimmer of hope that all hope is not yet lost.

Now to the contest, while Hon Alban Bagbin predicts a maximum of 30% vote for former President John Dramani Mahama whom he describes as the leading candidate, Sylvester A Mensah has pegged it at not exceeding 33.3%.

Sylvester Mensah believes he will be the party’s choice should there be a runoff in the February contest, and why not? But for the seeping influence of money into this contest, I would have personally vouched for a one-touch victory for Sly.



Joshua Alabi, Spio-Garbrah and Goosie Tanoh are equally hopeful of being in the first 2 for the runoff.

Clearly all the Aspirants except one have challenges with the fairness and evenness of the play field but will this become an issue after the primaries?
Or the other contenders will be magnanimous enough in the event of a loss and ignore all concerns that have been shared in the past several months up until now?

Will the NDC be firm in ensuring fairness to all or will it allow the towering and imposing figure of a former president dictate the pace?

In the end, the key question will be what the ingredient for the unity equation after the primaries will be?