With an official announcement anticipated soon, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is poised to be named as the presidential running mate by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for the 2024 general elections.
Political analysts and supporters of Dr. Opoku Prempeh emphasize that his selection is pivotal in rallying support and strengthening the party’s dominance in the Ashanti Region.
They believe his nomination carries added significance due to his ties with the Ashanti royal family and the Manhyia Palace.
NAPO’s connection with Manhyia
NAPO was born to Ohenena Kwame Kyeretwie and Madam Elizabeth Akosua Nyarko. His father, one of the many sons of the 14th Asantehene, Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh II, made significant contributions during his reign.
Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie played a key role in the establishment of Prempeh College, a well-regarded all-boys boarding school in Kumasi. He also donated land for the creation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), which honored him with an honorary Doctor of Science degree in 1969.
As the son of the Asantehene, Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie served as the chief of Apagya in the Afigya Kwabre District for more than forty years until his passing on June 23, 2013.
Leveraging royalty for political support
The Manhyia Palace, home to the Asantehene, stands not just as a physical landmark but as a central hub of cultural and political influence in the Ashanti Region.
NAPO’s deep-rooted connection with Manhyia has shaped both his personal identity and political career significantly.
As a direct descendant of Ashanti royalty, NAPO carries the weight of tradition and the expectations that come with his heritage.
His nomination as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) running mate is seen as a strategic move that resonates strongly with the people of the Ashanti Region, who view him as a symbol of their values and aspirations.
The Ashanti Region has long been a stronghold for the NPP, and NAPO’s candidacy is expected to bolster this support even further. His royal lineage, combined with his political expertise, positions him uniquely within the party and makes him a compelling choice for voters.
In terms of political experience, NAPO has served as a Member of Parliament since 2009 and held the pivotal role of Minister for Education during President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s first term.
His tenure as education minister was marked by significant achievements, notably the implementation of the government’s flagship Free Senior High School policy.
Currently, NAPO serves as the Minister for Energy, overseeing the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of energy policies, as well as coordinating activities across Energy Sector Agencies.
He will face off against Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who also boasts a distinguished career as an education minister under a previous NDC administration.