A former senior minister under the Kufuor-administration, J. H Mensah, has warned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, against choosing a running mate from the three northern regions simply to achieve ethnic balance.
Speaking in an interview with an Accra-based radio station Joy FM on Friday, the former vocal minority leader under the NDC I era, said the flagbearer should not repeat what he termed �similar mistake� he committed with the choice of Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia in the last elections in 2008.
The NPP elder statesman cautioned against satisfying tribal balance at the expense of competence and advised Nana Addo to go for a capable choice irrespective of where the running mate hails from. �It is a very difficult task and Nana should be allowed the freedom to choose on the merit of the work� we should forget about whether this man is a Gonja or that man is Mamprusi,� he stated.
The 83-year-old said he is worried time is running out for the selection of a running mate and expressed fears Nana Addo could repeat the same mistake he made four years ago with a hurried choice.
Hon. Mensah said he has no qualms if the main opposition party decides to choose a woman as a running mate.
Among those being considered in the race for a running mate include Alhaji M. N. D Jawula, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the 2008 running mate, Ambrose Dery, MP for Lawra-Nandom and deputy Minority Leader, and Alhaji Haruna Alhassan.
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