Attention Seeking NDC Flagbearer Hopeful Withdraws From Race

A Ghanaian businessman domiciled in the United Kingdom (UK), who suddenly showed up to express his desire to contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential primary, has chickened out.

Ernest Kwaku Kobeah, 43, who emerged from nowhere to announce his bid to compete with the likes of former President John Dramani Mahama and a former Finance Minister, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, says he is no longer interested in the contest slated for May 13, this year.

He submitted his letter to the NDC’s elections committee on Wednesday, March 29, notifying his decision to pull out. No reason was however given.

His sudden U-turn means only three aspirants, including former Mayor of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Kojo Bonsu, will be vying for the singular position for the 2024 general election.

Though not many are stunned about Mr. Kobeah, a native of Ashanti Mampong’s decision, they have described it as “populist and attention seeking.”

Interestingly, Mr. Kobeah has thrown his weight behind the NDC’s presumptive flagbearer, Mr. Mahama, who is contesting the seat for the fourth time, after he won the presidential election in his first attempt in 2012.

He had earlier in a social media post sighted by The Anchor claimed, “I am the new face to challenge former President John Dramani Mahama in the NDC Presidential slot. With my expertise in development, I am hopeful the country will be in the right direction.”

Recall that last month when Mr. Kobeah, who is a modern sewage system specialist and doubles as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of City Experts Limited Group in the UK, made that public declaration, many guessed he was going nowhere with it.

Some had based their suspicion on the fact that Mr. Kobeah did not come across as someone who will follow through his actions and that he was not known, even in the NDC, predicting he was joining the race to draw attention to himself or for future endeavors.

Subsequently, the now failed aspirant, in an interview with journalists, rejected the assertion that he will end up not filing his forms, insisting he was in the race for the long haul.

“I am here to stand and build the new Ghana, I am not here for the future, I am here for now,” he said.

Mr. Kobeah had said he was confident that he will emerge victorious in the flagbearer race.

According to Mr. Kobeah, his youthful exuberance and experience in the area of domestic policy and development orientation are unmatched by other presidential aspirants.

He added that voting for former President Mahama will alter the character of the eight-year cycle of power rotation to favor the NPP since he is entitled to only one term.

In a different interview, Ernest Kwaku Kobeah, after facing the NDC’s 12-member vetting committee on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, said his main goal was to restore the country’s financial stability.

“I want to give Ghanaians a future. I want all the people in the NDC and the people of Ghana that I am the right man for the job. I want to build a new Ghana and give financial freedom to the nation,” he stated.

Earlier, Kwaku Kobeah had said when elected as the flagbearer of the NDC and eventually wins the 2024 general elections, he would first establish an insurance package for all members of the party and also create jobs through the implementation of several sanitation modules for the people.

According to him, agriculture would be mechanized and modernized to attract the youth to take up agriculture as a profession, instead of as a hobby.

Speaking in another interview, the failed aspirant said because of his exemplary life in the UK, he has gained recognition from the UK government.

“I am one of the few Africans who have gained respect from the government because of my work,” he said.

He was confident that, if given the nod, he would bring his expertise in sanitation, construction and security to bear for Ghana’s benefit.

“My firm, City Expert Groups, has built so many skyscrapers in the United Kingdom that has stood the test of time, and I am ready to build Ghana too into a strong tower,” he said.

Source:Anchorghana.com