All appears to be in place for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, to be endorsed as the running mate of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the December 7 elections by the National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Sources close to the NPP Flagbearer say Dr Bawumia has received the approval of President Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP Majority in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markins, with regards to making Dr. Opoku Prempeh the running mate.
Afenyo-Markins on the radio said the party’s national council would meet to decide the running mate choice.
“Yes, the leader of our party and flagbearer met with the leadership of Parliament and had an extensive engagement with us, regarding the way forward for the party going into the 2024 elections.
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“The conclusion was that our respected colleague, Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh is his choice for running mate. And that is normally the practice, and out of respect, the caucus would have to be informed and engaged about the decision. The generality of the caucus members is in support of his choice. What it is, is that for it to become official or confirmed, there will be a national council meeting”, the Majority Leader said.
According to Afenyo-Markins, every stakeholder has been pre-informed of the decision to have NAPO partner Bawumia in the upcoming elections.
“The various organs have been engaged with the information and that everything is set for our brother, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh to join him to hold the flag of the party for the 2024 elections.”
Unity is strength, and since every individual’s contribution and vote matter in politics, Dr. Bawumia has held consultations with Dr. Opoku Prempeh and the Ashanti NPP Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, to resolve their differences and devise a strategy for the future before presenting the running mate to the party’s National Council.
Some Facts About Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh:
1. Born in Kumasi on Friday, May 23, 1968;
2. ‘NAPO’ is the short form of his traditional name, Nana Poku;
3. Grew up in Apagyafie, Ashanti New Town (Ashtown), Kumasi.
4. Father: Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie (Late Apagyahene)
5. Paternal Grandfather: Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh II, (Late Asantehene). Grandson of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Asantehene; Grandnephew of Former President J A Kufuor and former Defence Minister Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor;
6. Had KG and Primary Education @ KNUST Primary School, Kumasi;
7. Attended Prempeh College, Kumasi, for his ‘O and A’ levels (1980-1987);
8. Was Assistant House Prefect of Guggisberg House, Prempeh College and Scripture Union (S.U) President (still an S.U patron);
9. Broke the jinx in Chemistry@ Prempeh College. His record A in Advanced Level Chemistry, was only broken after almost ten years;
10. A staunch Christian – Anglican. Also worships at Makers House Chapel International.