Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI Africa, has expressed his thoughts on the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo) as the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Cudjoe notes that Napo’s past comments and posturing on critical issues have been controversial, but he also acknowledges Napo’s professionalism and ability to be serious when needed. He recalls a meeting with Napo in 2017 to discuss the implementation of the free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which Napo was tasked to roll out as the then-Education Minister.
Cudjoe expresses concerns about the challenges in the energy sector, including a huge $2 billion deficit, and asks Napo to explain how he plans to address these issues. He also questions the qualitative impact of the free SHS policy on Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and demands answers on how Napo will tackle corruption and reduce excessive expenditure.
Cudjoe further asks Napo to hold his boss, Dr. Bawumia, accountable for the economic challenges the country is facing, which he believes Bawumia has been a part of. The selection of Napo as running mate comes after a survey by the National Investigation Bureau tipped him as the favorite among NPP delegates.
The survey engaged over 5,000 NPP delegates nationwide, with Napo securing 76.2% of the responses. Cudjoe’s comments suggest that Napo’s selection is a mixed bag, with both positives and negatives to consider. Ultimately, Cudjoe wishes Napo and his boss well, but also demands that they take responsibility for their actions and address the pressing issues facing the country.
