NPP named Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as Dr. Bawumia's running mate

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, a member of the Manhyia South Constituency, was unveiled as the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) running mate for the December general election at a rally in Kumasi that had the feel of a celebration. Thousands of supporters were there to show their support.

The event, held at Jubilee Park, marked the conclusion of all internal party competitions before the December 7 elections, with the whole party apparatus present and a large number of supporters displaying the party's colors of red, white, and blue.

Prominent members of the party subsequently emphasized the importance of unity in pursuing the electoral campaign. Dr. Prempeh, who serves as both the Energy Minister and a prominent figure in the party, urged the voters to support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the betterment of their future.


Prior to this, the political group presented the Manhyia South legislator to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during a vibrant durbar held at Manhyia.

During the party rally, which commenced at approximately 3 p.m. and concluded shortly before 6 p.m., Dr. Prempeh expressed appreciation to Vice-President Bawumia for the chance to be his running mate. He also acknowledged the party's flag bearer for their significant contribution to digitalization, stating that it is a crucial strength and the future of the world.


President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stated that the NPP ticket consisted of a combination of diverse talents and qualities, with two individuals capable of securing another electoral triumph for the party.

The National Chairman, Stephen Ayesu Ntim, encouraged party members to set aside any disagreements in order to achieve their electoral goal, while the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wuntumi, stated that their primary focus now is to secure victory in the 2024 elections.

The event depicted a gathering aimed at fostering unity following a contentious presidential primary that resulted in significant divisions among the members, and led to Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, a prominent candidate for the party's leadership, departing to pursue his own agenda.

Currently, a significant number of individuals who supported the former Minister of Trade and Industry are not affiliated with the political party. Instead, they are actively touring the entire country alongside their new leader, engaging in campaign activities to secure votes.


However, the party managed to gather nearly all the influential individuals involved in its internal operations yesterday, including Assin Central MP and presidential candidate hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, who took the lead among the other competitors in the presidential primary.

The group consisted of Joe Ghartey, a former Member of Parliament for Esikado Ketan and Minister of Railways; Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, a former General Secretary; Dr Osei Afriyie Akoto, a former Minister of Food and Agriculture; and Kwadwo Poku, known for his expertise in energy affairs.

When the Assin Central MP took the stage, he generated enthusiasm by expressing his endorsement of the party ticket. "By fostering unity, we will dismantle the pattern of eight-year governance," he stated, alluding to the party's resounding appeal to disrupt the recurring cycle of eight-year control observed in the Fourth Republic.

Undoubtedly, Mr Agyapong posed the most significant challenge to Dr Bawumia's financial standing. Throughout that procedure, he gained renown for declaring his intention to engage in a "showdown" with Dr. Bawumia once emotions reached their peak.


Having been enlisted in the campaign, he declared his unwavering dedication to the party's goals. Dr. Bawumia later announced that the party has become a very efficient apparatus for the upcoming 2024 campaign.

On the courtyard of the Asantehene, the durbar, originally planned to commence at noon, was postponed for over three hours due to inclement weather conditions that caused a delay in the arrival of the presidential flight. However, the chiefs who arrived before midday and other party members who gathered at the Manhyia Palace patiently awaited the squad.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu cautioned his grandson, Dr Prempeh, from causing the NPP to feel remorseful for choosing him as a running mate. He expressed that his selection as the vice-presidential candidate for the NPP's presidential nominee, Dr. Bawumia, was welcomed by the Royal House. He urged him to display humility and follow the instructions of his superior, while avoiding any actions that would cause the presidential candidate to regret his decision.

Otumfuo acknowledged the circulating stories of his alleged disdain and arrogance, but expressed his conviction that Dr. Prempeh would be able to alter that perception.

Overview
The Asantehene offered counsel when President Akufo-Addo presented the NPP's presidential candidate and their running mate to him during a specially arranged durbar of chiefs.


Otumfuo implored the Manhyia South congressman and Minister of Energy to refrain from giving credibility to the rumors of his demeanor, and instead, to endorse his candidate in order to accomplish their goal of governing the nation.

As an individual who witnessed his upbringing, Otumfuo Osei Tutu harbored doubts over Dr. Prempeh's lack of respect for others and his tendency towards arrogance. The individual stated that he had placed his relatives under the responsibility of Dr. Bawumia and requested Dr. Bawumia to notify him whenever Dr. Prempeh made a mistake so that he could offer guidance.

Otumfuo expressed that Nananom will persist in praying for them and encouraged them to share their accomplishments, just as others have done, in order to get the support of Ghanaians.


The Asantehene stated that the people of Ghana would only be persuaded to extend their mandate once they were informed about the accomplishments of the past two terms in government and the future plans that were in store for them.

President Akufo-Addo stated in his speech that his term of office was nearing its end and emphasized the importance of selecting a new candidate to lead the party in the upcoming election.


As a result, he stated that Dr Bawumia was elected by the party at its congress last year. When it was time for the presidential candidate to choose a running partner, Dr Prempeh, who is of royal descent, was selected and overwhelmingly accepted by the National Council at their meeting last week.

According to tradition, the President stated that it was fitting for him to personally introduce them to the Asantehene and request his blessings on their behalf.

President Akufo-Addo commended Dr Bawumia for the assistance he received from him during his tenure as vice president. He expressed gratitude for having a Vice-President who was highly supportive and committed to his work. He also expressed confidence that the electorate will greatly benefit from his leadership.


President Akufo-Addo expressed his conviction that the duo of Dr. Bawumia and Dr. Prempeh would lead the country's development more effectively than he has.

He attributed the success of the Free SHS Policy only to his position as the Minister of Education and expressed hope that the people would acknowledge their diligent efforts by reelecting the party.