Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has counselled Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, his grandson and the Running Mate to the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to exercise restraint and submit to the orders of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
During a meeting where the ticket of the governing party was officially introduced to the Monarch in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, His Majesty counselled the Member of Parliament for the Manhyia South Constituency to prove himself worthy of the appointment and make his appointer proud.
Led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a high-profile delegation made up of executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ministers, Members of Parliament and party supporters visited the Manhyia Palace on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
Among them were the National Chairman of the Party, Stephen Ayensu Ntim, the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the Chief of Staff of the President, Hon Akosua Fremah Opare and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako.
Introduction
Introducing Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as their Presidential candidate and Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the Running Mate, President Akufo-Addo hailed their competence and capabilities.
“Our law states that any President has two terms. My tenure is almost due and our party in the primaries chose my vice to lead into the next election. He has been of immense help to me. I don’t think any President has been this lucky. He is humble and has been a formidable force behind me.
“He is capable of taking over Ghana and doing it well. He needed a running mate who would be his Vice when elected. A few days ago, the National Council met him and inquired about whom he wanted as running mate, he looked nowhere else than your home. Your grandson who is affectionately called Napo, the Manhyia South MP and the Energy Minister was his choice. He was unanimously approved by the National Council.”
Focusing the spotlight on Napo, he highlighted his contribution towards the successful implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
“What makes me happy is that I have worked with them (Bawumia and Npao) and I know their competence and what they can do. When elected they will do exceptionally well. When I came in as President, I gave him (Napo) the charge to implement the Free SHS policy and I knew he would be able to do it and that’s why I entrusted him with it… In my second term, I made him Energy Minister and he has steered the energy sector well.”
He further underscored the significance of holding the meeting to introduce their ticket to the King.
Humility
In his speech, Otumfuo chronicled the genesis of the life of the former Education Minister and charged him to stay humble and submit to his new boss.
“I have advised him indoors but I will say it here too. Don’t let Dr Bawumia regret ever choosing you. Serve him and follow his instructions. Follow him with humility. Be obedient and do as he says.”
His Majesty expressed concern and surprise at the public commentary suggesting Napo is arrogant and challenged him to prove people wrong.
As a key member in his upbringing, His Majesty said he made sure he imbibed in him socially accepted manners while growing up as his father.
“Some people are saying you are arrogant and I was wondering why they were saying that because you were bred well with home-knowledge. Prove them wrong.”
Additionally, Otumfuo urged Dr Bawumia to keep him in the known whenever Napo errs.
“Dr Bawumia I leave my grandson in your care. In case he errs, keep me informed and I will deal with him.”
He further pledged to support them with his prayers.
Source: Manhyia Palace
