Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has proposed Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, as his running mate to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in a move seen as a strategic masterstroke.
Sources from the presidency informed that a meeting was convened on Tuesday night at the Jubilee House, where Dr. Bawumia sought advice and guidance from President Akufo-Addo regarding his choice of a running mate.
During the meeting, President Akufo-Addo shared his views and provided valuable insights, drawing from his own experience as a former President and flagbearer of the NPP. He eventually endorsed Dr. Bawumia’s selection of NAPO as his running mate, paving the way for a formidable ticket.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted NAPO’s impressive credentials, including his medical degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and his extensive experience in Parliament, serving on various committees, including the Health Appointment and Defence and Interior Committees.
NAPO has been a member of Parliament since 2008, representing the Manhyia South Constituency, and has been re-elected four times, demonstrating his popularity and grassroots support.
Dr. Bawumia also noted NAPO’s impressive ministerial experience, serving as Education Minister from 2017 to 2021, where he implemented several reforms, including the introduction of the Free Senior High School program, and currently as Energy Minister, where he has played a key role in the development of the energy sector.
The selection of NAPO as running mate has been widely anticipated, with several polls indicating that he is the preferred choice among NPP party executives, delegates, and supporters, ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Dr. Bawumia’s decision to choose NAPO is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s chances in the upcoming elections, leveraging NAPO’s experience, leadership skills, and popularity to complement his own economic expertise.
NAPO’s experience in the energy sector and his leadership skills are expected to complement Dr. Bawumia’s economic expertise, making them a formidable team, well-equipped to tackle the country’s economic challenges and deliver on the party’s manifesto promises.
The endorsement of NAPO by President Akufo-Addo has been seen as a significant boost to the Bawumia-NAPO ticket, ahead of the 2024 general elections, and is expected to galvanize the party’s support base and energize the campaign trail.
