President Nana Akufo-Addo is reportedly facing internal party pressures to accept Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the running mate of choice for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
This is according to IMANI Africa’s Vice President, Bright Simons, who also asserts that the president is also allegedly dealing with growing calls from within the NPP for a possible ministerial reshuffle ahead of the upcoming elections.
The situation has sparked conversations about potential changes in key positions within the government.
Mr Simons, took to Twitter to highlight the growing tensions within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to Simons, the President is being urged to consider specific actions:
- Sacrifice Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to strengthen Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s electoral standing.
- Accept Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the running mate to Bawumia, despite facing resistance.
- Remove some top ministers perceived as distant from grassroots sentiments.
Simons, however, expressed skepticism, suggesting that the President may resist such pressures, stating, “This president hates pressure.”
According to some media reports and social media posts, Napo has emerged as one of the favourites of the party and the public to partner Bawumia, who is seen as the heir apparent of President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Napo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South constituency in the Ashanti Region, is regarded as one of the best-performing and most influential ministers in the government.
He has also been endorsed by some groups and individuals, including the Council of Zongo Chiefs, who have urged Bawumia to select him as his partner .
However, Napo’s candidacy may face some opposition from some factions and regions within the party, who may prefer other candidates.
As the race for the 2024 elections heats up, all eyes are now on Akufo-Addo and the NPP, awaiting further developments and the resolution of this internal conflict. In the meantime, Ghanaians are left pondering the potential impact of this disagreement on the ruling party’s chances of staying in power.
