Dr Bawumia reveals secret behind selection of Dr Prempeh

New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed the reasons behind his choice of Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh as his running mate.
According to Dr. Bawumia, Dr. Prempeh’s exceptional work rate, results orientation, and impactful tenure as Minister of Education and Energy influenced his decision.

The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Kumasi Jubilee Park in the Ashanti Region, the party’s stronghold, attracting prominent figures including President Akufo-Addo, the Council of Elders, Members of Parliament, and other key members.
Dr. Bawumia, also known as NAPO, promised to work closely with Dr. Prempeh to bring bold solutions to the people of Ghana.
He described Dr. Prempeh as a problem solver, knowledgeable, and a generational thinker.
“We can work together and bring bold solutions to the people of Ghana; our ticket is full of generational thinkers,” Dr. Bawumia added.
According to Dr. Bawumia, he came into government as an economist and a banker.
Therefore, now that he is the NPP’s flagbearer, he needed someone from the legislative branch to complement the ticket as his running mate.

Most effective vice-president
Dr Bawumia touted himself as the most effective vice-president Ghana has had since independence.
He asserted that even the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) acknowledged his exceptional performance as vice president.
He contrasted his achievements with those of the flagbearer of the NDC, John Mahama, stating that while Mahama failed during his tenure as a vice-president, he (Bawumia) has demonstrated remarkable leadership as vice president.
The Vice-President emphasised that the 2024 election presents a choice between progress and regression, highlighting his credentials as a forward-thinking leader.
“The choice is between the future and the past. He [Mahama] has been president before and he failed. I’m just a vice-president, I’ve not been a president before, but everyone can attest that I’ve been the most effective vice president in the history of Ghana.
He said the NPP Presidential ticket was the sure bet to catapult the country to higher heights in terms of development and job creation.
“We are superior in performance to the NDC’s record in areas of road infrastructure, railways, education, health, digitisation, among others,” Dr Bawumia stated.
Dr Bawumia said the NPP’s Presidential ticket was a well-oiled machine to lead the Party to victory in the December 7 Election.
Dr Bawumia hinted of plans to launch the Party’s 2024 Election Manifesto next month, which would be the blueprint for the policies and aspirations of the Party.

Otumfuo admonishes Dr Prempeh
In a brief speech, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II advised Dr. Prempeh to ensure that Dr. Bawumia never regrets selecting him.
He admonished Dr. Prempeh, his grandson, to remain loyal to Dr. Bawumia and heed his advice.
“Don’t let Dr. Bawumia regret selecting you as his running mate. Be humble and submissive to him. Do only what he teaches you to do,” he advised.
Acknowledging Dr. Prempeh’s achievements, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II addressed rumors regarding the Energy Minister’s alleged arrogance.
He also urged Dr. Bawumia to mentor Dr. Prempeh effectively and to inform him (Otumfuo) if he deviates or behaves inappropriately.
“Train him and when he goes wrong, tell me and I will advise him,” he added.
Otumfuo also charged the NPP to explain their vision clearly to Ghanaians ahead of the December general elections to elicit their support.
The traditional ruler extended his gratitude to President Akufo-Addo, Dr Bawumia, and the entire Elephant family for choosing Dr Opoku Prempeh as the running mate.
The Asantehene urged the NPP Flagbearer to mentor Dr Opoku Prempeh to perform effectively and to meet his expectations and inform him (Otumfuo) if he deviates or behaves.

President Akufo-Addo grateful to Dr. Bawumia
President Akufo-Addo expressed deep admiration for his Vice-President, Dr. Bawumia, highlighting the unwavering support and humility demonstrated by Dr. Bawumia throughout their administration.
As the NPP seeks to ‘Break the 8’, President Akufo-Addo underscored Dr. Bawumia’s readiness and capability to lead the nation, expressing strong confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s potential to build on the current administration’s achievements.
“I can assure you that when he becomes President, he will deliver.
“He will double whatever I have done for Ghana to transform,” he stated.

President Akufo-Addo hails Dr. Prempeh performance
President Akufo-Addo credited Dr. Prempeh for implementing the government’s flagship Free SHS policy, which he says is a testament to his hard work and will be translated into leadership of the country.
On the energy front, the President said the Minister successfully solved the issue of erratic power supply.
According to him, those claiming that there has been a return of the canker, known as ‘Dumsor’ are telling lies.
He further added that “yes, there have been a few occasions but he has done his best to ensure that power in our country was online.”
On the back of these, he urged the crowd at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi to rally behind the new running mate.
He disclosed that the approval of Dr. Prempeh as running mate was not opposed in any way at the National Council.

Dr Prempeh express gratitude
In response, Dr Prempeh, said no president, not even the revered first President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, has developed Ghana like President Akufo-Addo saying his accomplishments are unmatched.
He stressed that under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, Ghana has seen substantial progress in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the economy.
Dr Prempeh underscored that the government’s policies, such as the Free SHS policy and the One District, One Factory initiative, have been widely praised for their impact on the nation’s development.
He appealed to all NPP supporters to let bygones be bygones and work hard for the party to secure 85% of votes in the Ashanti Region.
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.

Earlier, Mr Kennedy Agyapong, the MP for Assin Central and former flagbearer aspirant, called for unity in the Party and appealed to those with grievances to forgive one another to ensure a united front for a resounding victory on December 7.
He also asked the leadership of the Party to respect the grassroots supporters to ensure they worked for the Party.
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, Dr Prempeh 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 that the combination of Bawumia’s economic expertise and Dr Prempeh ‘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.