Time For Change Is Now; Kwabena Duffour Officially Announces Bid For NDC Flagbearership
Former Finance Minister of Ghana, Dr Kwabena Duffour has officially announced his intention to contest in the primaries of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the 2024 flag bearer.
Kwabena Duffour who first made this known in November 2021, made the announcement officially today, November 3, 2022, during a press conference.
He said he is ready to pick nomination forms as soon as nominations open.
“Today, I officially announce my intention to contest for the flagbearership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) anytime the party opens nominations. I will offer myself once again to serve the land of my birth with humility and sacrifice when given the chance to do so,” he told the press.
He asserted that the country is on “fire” which he can “quench” but he says that can only be possible if there is “change now”.
“Today Ghana our house is on fire and as a citizen, I have the responsibility to quench this fire. That’s why I’m here this afternoon. Our economy is in shambles. The youth are unemployed and they are very desperate. Ghanaians everywhere are going through very difficult times. We are lacking the most basic necessities of life.
“Indeed this is not what our founding fathers envisaged for us. This is not where a country like Ghana with tremendous blessings and resources should find herself. My colleagues, we are in difficulty, we are in danger and I want to inform you that the time for change is now.”
His decision means he is in the contest with former President John Dramani Mahama for the flag bearership position although the latter has not openly expressed a comeback intention.
In an interview with Voice of America (VOA) in October, Mahama said he will decide on it in 2023.
“It’s good to keep your opponent guessing so even if I am not running, I am not going to say I am not running”, he said and added, “A decision would be taken early next year in the first quarter; that’s when we hold our party’s primaries for the presidential candidacy and we’d see.”
In 2017, Dr Duffour put out a communique to dispel speculations in the media domain that he would run for Presidency in the 2020 General elections, noting that he had retired from politics.
“I have no intention whatsoever to contest for any elective public office. I have served my country in various capacities and consider myself a statesman retired from active politics”, the release published by ghanaweb.com said.
But in 2021 during an interview with TV3’s Roland Walker, Dr Duffour U-turned to declare intentions to become Ghana’s President.
He disclosed he would opt for either the current Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin or the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu as his running mate if his party gives the nod.
“There are two people who are doing very well in politics. Look at Bagbin with 30 years in politics and look at this young man, Haruna Iddrisu. Any of them, either Haruna Iddrisu or Bagbin could be my running mate. They are working hard out there. They will compliment me.”
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
