The leadership of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accepted the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s nominee, Energy Minister and Manhyia lawmaker Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo) as his running mate for the 2024 general elections.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Thursday, July 4, arrived for a meeting at the Alisa Hotel in Accra with party executives where he officially introduced his running mate to the National Council and National Elections Committee.
The nomination awaited the decision of the National Council which was the final approving organ of the NPP.
Engaging the media, the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Frimpong Kodua (JFK), noted that the party is satisfied with the decision made by the party’s flagbearer.
He touted some successes chalked by Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh during his role as Education Minister, such as the Free Senior High School Policy, during the first term of President Akufo-Addo. He also noted the relatively consistent power supply experienced under Dr Opoku Prempeh’s tenure as Energy Minister.
“So, ladies and gentlemen, if you were to ask me what Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh brings onboard to the NPP presidential ticket, I will say he brings to us a bold, confident, hardworking, result-driven, decisive, grassroots mobiliser, charismatic, patriotic, and demonstrable incorruptible person,” he said.
Among the contenders for the running mate position were notable figures who are said to have been actively lobbying, either directly or indirectly, for the position.
Additionally, there were others whose names circulated in media reports as potential running mates, even though they did not explicitly express their interest.
The three most notable disappointed contenders are Chief of Staff Frema Osei-Opare, Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong, and Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum. Supporters of these candidates were reportedly vying against Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh for the coveted role.