There is growing reservation regarding the New Patriotic Party’s choice of running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who was unveiled in Kumasi, the party’s stronghold in the Ashanti region. His introduction was met with considerable criticism, particularly from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Mensah Thompson, Executive Director of the Alliance For Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), expressed his concerns on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
Thompson emphasized the significance of the upcoming 2024 general elections for Ghana, noting it as a pivotal moment signaling both the end of an era and the potential dawn of new political leadership. He criticized the nomination of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as running mate to Dr. Mahmoud Bawumiah, citing doubts within the civil society fraternity regarding his past performance and conduct as Minister for Education and Minister for Energy.
The announcement of Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s nomination came as a surprise to many in the civil society sector, given his track record. Thompson highlighted several concerns, questioning the criteria used for his selection during such critical times for the country.
Thompson outlined specific criticisms without bias, pointing out perceived character flaws and inadequacies that, in his view, disqualify Dr. Opoku Prempeh from occupying the position of Vice President:
Tribalistic and Temperamental: Thompson accused Dr. Opoku Prempeh of tribalistic tendencies, citing instances where Voltarians were allegedly marginalized or dismissed from key positions during his tenure as Minister for Education.
Incompetent Policy Maker and Implementer: He criticized Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s effectiveness in policy-making and implementation, alleging poor decision-making and management of government initiatives.
Chief Promoter of Shady and Dubious Procurements: Thompson raised concerns about procurement practices under Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s leadership, suggesting lack of transparency and accountability.
Poor Working Relationship with Stakeholders: Thompson noted Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s strained relations with stakeholders, implying difficulty in collaboration and consensus-building.
Antagonistic towards CSOs and Divergent Opinions: Lastly, Thompson accused Dr. Opoku Prempeh of being hostile towards Civil Society Organizations and dissenting viewpoints, suggesting a lack of openness to criticism and alternative perspectives.
Thompson also criticized Dr. Opoku Prempeh for what he termed as negligent handling of the Volta River Authority (VRA) spillage incident, which displaced numerous people along the Volta basin, predominantly Voltarians. He claimed that Dr. Opoku Prempeh failed to adequately address the needs of the affected victims, relying instead on external interventions.
Story by: Alexander Kukah
