By Adu Koranteng
The decision by Businessman and former Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Kojo Bonsu to contest the Flagbearship race of the National Democratic congress towards the 2020 general elections has been met with fire and fury by the Greater Accra Regional chairman of the party, describing the decision as a concert.
Kojo Bonsu yesterday, made known to the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), his intention to contest December’s presidential primaries. In this regard, he becomes the 11th aspirant in the NDC flagbearership race which also includes former President John Dramani Mahama.
Until news broke about his intention to lead the NDC, Kojo Bonsu was a considered staunch supporter of the Mahama 2020 bid.
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He was instrumental in the organization of the party’s Unity Walk project across the 10 regions of the country which has been credited for reenergizing the grassroots base of the opposition party.
On Friday, September 28, Mr. Bonsu met with Founder of the NDC and former President, Jerry John Rawlings, where he announced his decision to join the race to lead the party.
The former Managing Director of Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL) presented his letter of intent to the party leaders at the party headquarters yesterday.
He is expected to announce his bid to the media tomorrow, Wednesday at the Ghana Academy of Arts And Science in Accra.
The NDC plans to go to congress to elect its national officers in November after which it will follow with the election of a candidate to lead it into the 2020 general elections in December.
Joseph Ade Coker, in a statement said Although Mr. Bonsu has the right to contest the election as democracy permits the former Kumasi Mayor does not qualify to lead the NDC.
“Let me advise Kojo Bonsu. He is my very good friend from the football circle. This country is a serious country, and we must be serious. Ghana is not cheap and the way we are doing things in this country, sometimes we belittle this country.”
“The fact that you have been a KMA Mayor does not qualify you to be President of Ghana. Jesus Christ! Let’s cry aloud, let’s be serious. The world is watching us. He is my very good friend, and when I see him, I will advise him to go and sleep somewhere. Please! We sit here, every Tom, Dick, and Harry gets up, and he wants to be what? If your ribs are not strong, you do not take punches…”
Former President Jerry John Rawlings on Friday gave a hint about Mr. Bonsu’s intent by posting a message on Twitter after receiving him at his residence in Accra.
He described Mr. Bonsu as an individual with a “determined” spirit and further wished him well.
Now ten men are jostling for the slot and are expected to pick nomination papers when the party opens nominations later this year.
The men are: Nadowli-Kaleo, Member of Parliament; Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, former university professor; Joshua Alabi, former Trade Minister; Ekwow Spio-Garbrah (remember him 2006?) and former CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA); Sylvester Mensah.
Others include former President John Mahama, former Deputy Finance Minister and MP for Cape Coast South, Kweku Ricketts Hagan; returnee Goosie Tanoh, businessman, Nurudeen Iddrisu, Legal practitioner, Elikplim Agbemava and self-styled electrician, Stephen Atubiga.
There are two political neophytes also joining the race – Nurudeen Iddrisu and Elikplim Lorlormavor Agbemava. This is a list six men longer than the 2006 number.
Kojo Bonsu is a royal of the Ashanti kingdom.
He was the first representative of sports kit maker Adidas in West Africa.
Mr. Bonsu is a former board chairman of the National Sports Authority who spearheaded the re-branding of the sports council until it subsequently became a sports authority.
He is a former managing director of Goil and has massive experience in sports administration.
In 2013, former President John Mahama nominated Kojo Bonsu as the Metropolitan Chief Executive for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
In July 2016, he resigned after the Kumasi Traditional Council called on Mr. Mahama to sack him over his decision to remove Amoamanhene unilaterally, Nana Agyenim Boateng from the Kejetia Market project board without informing the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The election for a flagbearer will come off in December 2018
