The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has suggested that the current Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, would be an excellent running mate for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
During an interview on Channel One TV, Assafuah pointed out Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s impressive track record and his strong connections, especially in the Ashanti Region, as key advantages that could greatly boost the NPP’s chances in the upcoming elections.
Mr Assafuah emphasized that Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s accomplishments and his rapport with significant figures, including those at Otumfuo’s palace, make him a powerful choice to support Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy.
Responding to criticisms of Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s tenure in the energy sector, Mr Assafuah dismissed these concerns, arguing that the minister has shown his worth to the party through his achievements and the broad support he enjoys in his political stronghold.
“With the kind of things that he has to his credit, there is no doubt that he would add a lot to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. People believe that he’s a royal, he comes from Otumfuo’s palace and because of his relationship with the giants in the Ashanti Region, how he carried himself, and how he’s been a helper to most people in the Ashanti region, clearly he brings a lot to the ticket.
“I think Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia did his own research, he has done a lot of engagements with party stalwarts and I do not think that it would be a mistake for him to add him to his ticket.
“I think if the NPP would want to garner about 80% of the votes, which is clearly becoming the ambition of the party, of course, he’s going to play a critical role to be able to make sure that we garner such votes,” he added.