Pollster Ben Ephson has shortlisted three candidates, one of who he says will pick the National Chairman slot of the New Patriotic Party.

In an interview with Joy News, the Editor of the Daily Dispatch newspaper said Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, Stephen Ntim and Felix Owusu Agyapong are the likeliest candidates, even though Sammy Crabbe, and Dr. Wereko-Brobbey still pose a major threat.

The National Executive Council of the party has scheduled December 19, 2009 for the elections and the pollster says more candidates will express interest for the most influential position in the party.

Already daughter of the party’s icon (Dr. K.A. Busia), Dr. Ama Busia is also said to be interested in the position and may soon join the fray.

Ben Ephson opined that the party needs a “unifier” and a “chairman who will not be afraid of any personality,” if the party hopes to return to power.

He added that the prospective chairman must be “sober” and be ready to do thorough consultations with the party’s delegates before taking decisions.

On the chances of Dr. Wereko-Brobby, Ephson said “he needs a lot of convincing to do because not too many people have forgiven him for what he did, eight years ago.”

The former VRA boss and CEO of the defunct Ghana@50 secretariat, Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby broke away ahead of the 2000 election to form the United Ghana Movement, which has since been on terminal leave.

Ben Ephson reckoned that the vast experience gained by Jake Obetsebi Lamptey and Felix Owusu Agyapong in political office makes them the front-runners in the race.

Lamptey served as Chief of Staff, Minister of Tourism, and of Information in the eight-year reign of the Kufuor administration, whilst Felix Owusu Agyapong served as majority leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs within the same period.

Stephen Ntim narrowly lost to the incumbent National Chairman of the party, Peter Mac Manu and remains a popular candidate, but Mr Ephson said he has to start all over again if he wants to win.




Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana