The occupant of the Asante Silver Stool, Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II has symbolically embraced Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Second Lady, Samira Bawumia at the Akwasidae durbar grounds at Manhyia Royal Palace.
While Otumfuo himself has been neutral to all candidates, the “endorsement” of some of his bosses for the vice president has been used to suggest that he himself may have a “soft spot” for the Economist he has adopted as his son.
This comes after John Mahama declared the Ashanti region a battleground region ahead of the 2024 election, vowing that the NDC will prioritize the region. Mr. Mahama is the Region to campaign for election as a standard bearer.
Analysts have said Bawumia’s strategic hug, the first of its kind that has since gone viral on social media, indicates acceptance of the top Ashanti traditional ruler’s candidacy for vice president Bawumia.
Mamponghene previously praised the vice president’s vision and enterprise, suggesting the NPP champion has strong support inside Manhyia.
The vice president received an open hug when he attended Akwasidae in the company of more than 80 members of parliament, including 90% Ashanti NPP.
The Vice President was also accompanied by all the Ashanti Regional Executives of the New Patriotic Party and the District, Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives of the region.
At the same time that Bawumia was Akwasidae, former President Mahama is also on a three-day campaign tour in the Ashanti region, where he will meet regional and constituency party executives as well as grassroots supporters.
It is expected to visit approximately 20 constituencies including Asawase, Tafo, Kwadaso, Asokwa, Manhyia North and South, Suame and others.
Addressing a crowd of supporters in the Tafo/Pankrono constituency, the NDC’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Augustus Nana Akwasi Andrews, stated that the party has given its unwavering support to John Dramani Mahama.
Mr. Mahama is likely to face either Vice President Bawumia or Alan Kyeremanten as an opponent in the main election when the NDC chooses him as their standard-bearer.
