A National Democratic Congress (NDC) bigwig, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has revealed that his rapport with the founder of the party became sour after John Mahama became the NDC's running mate in 2008.
According to Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the rift was because Rawlings felt deceived by the announcement of John Mahama as Prof J. E.A Mill's running mate.
The aspiring General Secretary in an interview with Evans Mensah on PM Express on Monday said he explained that Rawlings did not anticipate the said announcement.
Recounting the incident, he said prior to the announcement of the NDC's 2008 running mate, people likely Betty Mould Iddirsu were widely touted as favourites for the job.
As a result, when Mahama was named, Rawlings became displeased about what he suspected to be a deliberate orchestration to keep him in the dark.
"I announced him (John Mahama) as running mate, even though at that time, my mentor, Rawlings wasn't happy about that. In fact, we didn't speak for about three years after that. [Due] to the circumstances, he thought that we dribbled him. Indeed we dribbled him", he disclosed.
Mr Afriyie Ankrah also added that after this incident, his rapport with the former head of state experienced another dip, during the latter part of Rawlings' life.
He said his latter disagreements with Rawlings were because of Rawlings' cordial rapport with President Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The former NDC appointee made these revelations while commenting on his relationship with the various groups in the party, ahead of his plans of becoming the NDC's next General Secretary.
He however stated that despite his clashes with former President Rawlings, he is still on good terms with the 'Rawlings faction', as well as other caucuses with the National Democratic.
Mr Afriyie Ankrah, therefore, expressed optimism about his chances and reiterated his commitment to helping the NDC win the 2024 general election.
Meanwhile, the incumbent Deputy General Secretary of the party, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, has also expressed his desire to contest the General Secretaryship of the party.
This brings to two, the number of leading persons seeking to take over from Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who is rumoured to be nursing an ambition to become the NDC's new National Chairman.
Latest Stories
-
England’s Cara Gainer wins 2025 Lalla Meryem Cup in thrilling play-Off
2 minutes -
Luv FM hosts successful 2025 edition of health walk in Kumasi
18 minutes -
Gov’t suspends National Roads Authority Act for broader stakeholder consultations
42 minutes -
BCI re-iterates calls on government to include cancer patients in LEAP program
54 minutes -
Ghana Baptist Convention urges members to embody humility, love and service
54 minutes -
Prof Kobby Mensah’s leadership and the future of sustainable tourism in Ghana: My opinion as his ardent follower and mentee
2 hours -
Galamsey fight: I’m disappointed in Ashanti regional minister’s approach – Inusah Fuseini
2 hours -
2025 Lalla Meryem Cup: Meet Africa’s representatives at prestigious championship
2 hours -
Ignore attacks from NPP, remain resolute in new role – Volta NDC Youth to Dr Asiamah
2 hours -
Don’t vote for any NPP element to represent V/R on Council of State – Group advises
3 hours -
Vetting process must have a more efficient structure – Vera Addo
3 hours -
Ministerial vetting: Unlimited questions allowed Minority Leader justifiable – Kofi Bentil
4 hours -
Okada riders attack Swedru Hospital staff after colleague dies in accident
4 hours -
I wish you well, but don’t take galamsey fight lightly – Kofi Bentil to Mahama
4 hours -
I’ll never take policy decisions without engaging stakeholders – Sam George
4 hours