Member of Parliament for Suame Constituency, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has expressed confidence in Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s ability to effectively support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as his running mate in the 2024 elections.
The Suame MP highlighted NAPO’s youth, energy, and competence as key factors that make him the ideal choice for the role.
In a recent interview on Nhyira FM’s Kroyimu Nsem show with Nana Kwadwo Jantuah, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained why he was not selected as Bawumia’s running mate, pointing to his age as a significant factor.
“I would not say it was a rejection, but looking at my age, it would not be the best to be appointed as a running mate. After eight years, I would have less energy to continue as a leader of the party,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said.
The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs emphasized that the role of a running mate demands significant energy and mobility, qualities he believes NAPO possesses in abundance.
“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 added.
The Suame MP also addressed the distinct leadership style that Dr. Bawumia would bring to the presidency, noting that Bawumia’s vision, though shaped by his experience in the current administration, will be uniquely his own.
“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 remarked.
Further insights into the decision behind Bawumia’s choice of NAPO as his running mate were provided by Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni in his book The President Ghana Never Got.
Manasseh revealed that NAPO, who had been preparing to contest for the NPP flagbearer position himself, chose to support Bawumia instead, a move that greatly influenced Bawumia’s decision to select him as his running mate.
“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 states.
Despite concerns about NAPO’s perceived arrogance, his political influence and strong connection to the Ashanti Region made him a strategic choice for the role.