Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Member of Parliament for Suame Constituency, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has clarified that his age was the primary reason he was not selected as the 2024 running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Addressing the speculation, he stated that his decision to step back was due to the demands of the role, which require substantial energy and mobility, something he believes might be limited by his age.
“I would not say it was a rejection, but looking at my age, it would not be the best to be appointed a running mate. After eight years, I would have less energy to continue as a leader of the party,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained during an interview on Nhyira FM’s Kroyimu Nsem show with Nana Kwadwo Jantuah.
He further elaborated that his decision was also influenced by the availability of other capable individuals within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who are more suitable for the position.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu praised the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, as the running mate, citing his youth, energy, and competence as key attributes.
“My age wouldn’t permit me for the running mate bid, but NAPO is young and best fit for the job. This running mate thing requires a lot of energy and competence to help the flagbearer, and NAPO can perfectly do the job,” he stated.
The Suame MP also urged Ghanaians to recognize that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s vision for the country is distinct from that of President Akufo-Addo.
He emphasized that while Bawumia has been a key figure in the current administration, his leadership approach and priorities will differ.
“Every President has a unique vision before coming into office. Although Bawumia has worked with Nana Addo, he will have his own way of doing things, so his vision is different from that of the President. This is why he has promised to continue some of the works of the President and make changes to those he thinks don’t align with his vision,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained.
Additionally, Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, in his book The President Ghana Never Got, shed light on the reasons behind Dr. Bawumia’s choice of NAPO as his running mate.
According to Manasseh, NAPO had initially been preparing to contest for the NPP flagbearer position but decided to step aside to support Bawumia. This gesture, coupled with NAPO’s political influence in the Ashanti Region, played a significant role in Bawumia’s decision.
“When Bawumia reared his head, NAPO told Bawumia that he had been preparing for a long time to contest, but since Bawumia was contesting, he would step back and support his candidacy. Bawumia was touched by that gesture and earmarked NAPO for the running mate position,” the book reveals.
Despite concerns about NAPO’s perceived arrogance, his strong political standing made him a strategic choice.