The Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Development (IDEG) Dr. Emmanuel Aketey has cautioned against discounting the ability of Dr. Mumuni Bawumia to garner votes for the NPP. He said it important to wait and listen to the newly appointed vice presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party. Dr. Akwetey was responding to suggestions by some political parties that they were not intimidated by Dr. Bawumia’s nomination because he is relatively unknown in political circles. He told Joy News that the strength of the presidential candidate coupled with the organizational abilities of the political party determined the political fortunes of party and not necessarily the running mate. According to Dr. Akwetey, voters do not vote for or against a party because of the vice presidential candidate. He admitted that the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana is new to politics which have its own problems. The IDEG Executive Director said the advantages of the selection of Dr. Bawumia should be looked at beyond the elections. He said seeking political power is a means to an end. That end, for him is conducting government business in a manner that engenders development. He said Dr. Bawumia would be useful when the NPP wins the elections. According to him, the technocratic abilities of Nana Akufo-Addo’s running mate could be brought to bear on the government’s business. Story by Malik Abass Daabu