The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has nominated Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, as the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 presidential election.
Dr. Prempeh is a seasoned politician and a Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, a constituency he has represented since 2009. His tenure as MP, has spearheaded several landmark projects, including the construction of schools, hospitals, and roads. He is widely regarded as a visionary leader who has brought tangible improvements to his constituents.
As Minister of Education from 2017 to 2021, Dr. Prempeh played a pivotal role in the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. Under his leadership, enrollment in secondary schools increased significantly, providing access to quality education for thousands of underprivileged students. He also initiated the double-track system to accommodate the growing number of students.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Prempeh has faced criticism for his perceived arrogant and divisive posture. His public statements have often been polarizing, and he has been accused of creating factions within the NPP’s executive ranks in the Ashanti Region.
Observers note that Dr. Prempeh’s perceived arrogance could be both a strength and a weakness in the upcoming election. While it may appeal to some voters who appreciate his assertive leadership style, it could alienate others who find him off-putting.
The relationship between Dr. Prempeh and the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, has also been a subject of speculation. Some sources to Ashantibiz claim that there is tension between them, while others maintain that they have patched up their differences.
Regardless of these perceived challenges, it is undeniable that Dr. Prempeh is a formidable politician with a strong base in the Ashanti Region. The region has traditionally been a stronghold for the NPP, and his selection as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate could solidify the party’s support there.
However, it remains to be seen whether voters in the Ashanti Region will cast their ballots based on party lines or base their decision on the current economic conditions. The region has been hard-hit by the recent economic downturn, and some voters may be reluctant to support the NPP if they believe the government has not done enough to alleviate their hardships.
Political analysts predict that the upcoming election will be closely contested, and Dr. Prempeh’s role as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate could play a key role in determining the outcome.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
