Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 general election Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has described Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as a problem solver, Knowledgeable and a generational thinker.
He pledged to work closely with Dr. Prempeh affectionately referred as ‘Napo’ to bring bold solutions to Ghanaians.
“Napo is knowledgeable. I have high respect for him. He is a problem solver and a generational thinker,” Dr. Bawumia stressed.
The NPP flagbearer eulogised Napo before officially outdooring him as his running mate at Kumasi Jubilee Park yesterday.
The event was graced by President Nana Akufo-Addo, ministers of state, national and regional executives; and enthusiastic party supporters.
Vice President Bawumia highlighted Napo’s exceptional work rate, results orientation, and impactful tenure as Minister of Education and later as Minister of Energy.
According to him, these qualities were pivotal in the decision to select Napo as his running mate.
“We can work together and bring bold solutions to the people of Ghana, our ticket is full of generational thinkers,” Dr. Bawumia reiterated.
Earlier, President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the ability of the Dr Bawumia and Opoku Prempeh to meet the expectations of Ghanaians.
Addressing jubilant NPP faithful, the President said he has worked with both gentlemen and can vouch for their hard-working qualities.
“I have trust and confidence in the two of them to do the work. I have worked with the two and I know that they can do. I know that on the 7th of December when Ghanaians have given them the mandate they will work to meet the expectations of Ghana,” President Akufo-Addo added.
Napo’s attributes
The choice of Napo as running mate was widely regarded as a “no-brainer,” given his proven track record and strong support base.
Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh represents Manhyia South in Parliament, a stronghold where the NPP consistently garners over 80% of the vote.
Evidently, in addition to his competencies, Napo’s grassroots appeal and ability to resonate with party members and the public were decisive factors in his selection, reflecting a strong commitment to the party’s values and national aspirations.
His royal lineage at the Apagyafie of the Manhyia Palace and familial ties to former President John Agyekum Kufuor add historical and cultural depth to his candidacy.
Prior to the public introduction at Jubilee Park, NAPO had received a formal blessing from Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace, underscoring his deep connection to the Asante Kingdom.
Following the outdooring, party members and supporters praised Vice President Bawumia’s choice and expressed optimism about the potential of the Bawumia-Napo ticket.
They asserted the combination of Bawumia’s economic expertise and Napo’s youthfulness, administrative prowess, and political experience will position them to articulate a compelling vision for Ghana and secure an unprecedented third term for the NPP under the Fourth Republic.
Unanimous approval
President Akufo-Addo had stated that the approval of Napo as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate was not opposed in any way at the National Council.
He said this at the Manhyia Palace, where the party unveiled the Energy Minister to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The event attracted almost all the prominent figures within the party, including President Akufo-Addo, the Council of Elders, Members of Parliament, and other key members.
The President credited Napo for implementing the government’s flagship Free SHS policy, which he was a testament to his hard work, which he believed will be translated into leadership of the country.
He said he also appointed Napo to head the Energy Ministry because he performed creditably at the Education Ministry.
Otumfuo advises Napo
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has advised the NPP to show humility as he joins the flagbearer, Dr. Bawumia ahead of the general election.
According to him, this is the only way to ensure the compatibility of the duo as the party seeks progress.
This advice was given after President Akufo-Addo presented Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh affectionately referred as Napo as the running mate of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
During his brief speech at Manhyia, the Asantehene recounted the days when he helped Dr. Prempeh through school, including paying his fees.
He acknowledged the achievements of Napo, stressing that he had heard rumours regarding the Energy Minister’s attitude.
He said the claims suggest that the running mate is arrogant.
‘Don’t disrespect Bawumia’
The Asantehene also advised Napo to ensure that Dr. Bawumia never regrets selecting him as his running mate for the forthcoming 2024 general election.
The venerable chief admonished his grandson to remain loyal to Dr Bawumia and heed his advice.
“Don’t let Dr Bawumia regret selecting you as his running mate. Don’t ever left him regret that. Be humble and submissive to him. Do only what he teaches you to do,” he advised.
Addressing the arrogance tag on Napo, while standing by his grandson, urged him not to validate this perception.
“I have spoken to Napo, my son, behind closed doors and counselled him well. But let me tell you [Napo] in public that don’t let Dr. Bawumia regret his decision in choosing you.
“Go and serve him [Dr. Bawumia] with humility, loyalty, and dedication. Listen to his directives and obey him at all times. What I have told you behind closed doors is what I am repeating to you in public. Be humble and serve Dr. Bawumia well,” Otumfuo reiterated.
The Asantehene also urged Dr Bawumia to mentor his grandson and to inform him if he Napo or behaves inappropriately.
“Train him and when he goes wrong, tell me and I will advise him,” he added.
The King wondered about the cause of this allegation, as he never saw that trait in the man he affectionately described as his son.
