Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has retained his running-mate for the last two elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

He confirmed what the public largely considered to be a foregone conclusion at a meeting of the National Council of the opposition party, Thursday, October 23.

In attendance were former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, party Chairman Paul Afoko, and a host of other bigwigs of the NPP.

Nana Akufo-Addo run the 2008 and 1012 presidential elections with the former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana.

They lost both elections but the former Attorney-General has consistently maintained his confidence in the Walewale native.

Even before today’s endorsement, Nana Akufo-Addo had said that if he won the flagbearership contest of the NPP, he would maintain Dr. Bawumia, reputed as an excellent economist, as his running-mate.

Consistent with this pledge, he submitted the name of Dr. Bawumia to the National Council at its meeting after receiving an overwhelming endorsement from party delegate at last week’s congress.

The nomination was readily accepted, unlike in 2008 when the selection of the banker was vehemently opposed.

Party firebrand, Kennedy Agyapong, then said he would not campaign for the party which was seeking to retain party after Kufuor’s eight-year rule, if Dr. Bawumia was selected.

The presidential candidate stood his grounds and settled on the renowned economist who has proven his worth and won the admiration of those who opposed his selection.

Reputed as a very intelligent man who has unparalleled knowledge of the Ghanaian economy, Dr. Bawumia’s comments on, and diagnosis of, the local economy have always made the headlines.

The NPP certainly needs him to puncture the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC’s) economic policies in the next elections.