Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West constituency and Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has voiced strong opposition to lobbying efforts aimed at influencing the selection of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's running mate for the upcoming elections.

Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful emphasised the importance of granting Dr. Bawumia the freedom to independently choose his running mate without external pressures. 

"Let him be given the space to choose the person he best thinks can partner with him. I think it is even disrespectful for people to be lobbying as if he can’t make his own decision," she asserted firmly.

Rejecting the notion of actively seeking the position of running mate, she highlighted that it is an appointed role that should not be solicited through lobbying or campaigning. 

"Is that a position you lobby or gamble for? I am absolutely against any active seeking of any such position. It is an appointed position. I think the flagbearer should be left and given the space to decide who he thinks can best partner him," she continued.

Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful urged the public to refrain from pressuring Dr. Bawumia into making a premature decision on his running mate. 

"It is an appointed position and I think the flagbearer should be left alone and given the space to decide who he thinks can best partner him and boost his chances in the election," she emphasised.

The discourse around the nomination of a female running mate for the NPP's flagbearer has gained momentum, with names like Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare and Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund, Naa Torshie, being circulated. 

Despite speculation linking her to the position, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful clarified that she has never actively expressed interest in becoming Dr. Bawumia's running mate. 

"People may speculate my name but I have not told anybody that I am interested in any position. If the flagbearer thinks in his wisdom that I can assist him, why not?" the Communications Minister quizzed.

She dismissed any claims of soliciting media or individuals to promote her candidacy.

 "No media person can ever say anywhere that I have contacted him to put my name out there or anybody for that matter. I think the flagbearer should be given the space to choose who he thinks can best partner him. It will be great if a female is chosen and I made this call eight years ago," Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful added.

The Communications Minister was speaking in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM, Monday, 24 June 2024.