The upcoming activities scheduled in the Ashanti Region may not significantly enhance the political standing of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party’s flag bearer. Critics point out that despite the region being a stronghold of the party, there is a perceived lack of substantial development projects during their eight-year tenure in office.
In the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections, the team led by Dr. Opoku Prempeh saw a decline of approximately eight thousand votes in the Manhyia South constituency in the Ashanti Region. This trend has raised concerns about potential voter apathy towards the party in the upcoming elections.
Nana Kwesi Opoku, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), expressed these views during an interview on the “Adekyee Mu Nsem” morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM in Accra, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu. He emphasized that the people of the region feel disillusioned by empty political promises and the absence of tangible development initiatives.
Despite these challenges, Nana Kwesi Opoku welcomed the nomination of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the vice-presidential candidate, considering it a significant move for the New Patriotic Party.
Meanwhile, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, is set to be officially unveiled as the running mate of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flag bearer of the NPP, on Tuesday, July 9, in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region. The event is eagerly anticipated by party supporters in the region, who view it as a strategic step towards victory in the 2024 elections.
The decision to endorse NAPO as the running mate was formally ratified by the National Council of the NPP on Friday, July 5, drawing praise from top party officials, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the leadership capabilities of Dr. Bawumia and Dr. Opoku Prempeh, highlighting their potential to lead the party to victory.
In response to criticisms of his perceived arrogance, the NPP has mounted a robust defence of NAPO. Some stakeholders have suggested that he use prepared scripts for public appearances to ensure clarity in messaging and minimize any potential controversies.
Furthermore, following Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s elevation to the running mate position, the NPP has opened nominations for the Manhyia South parliamentary seat, which he previously held. The vacancy has sparked interest among prospective aspirants, including NAPO’s brother, Nana Owusu Afriyie Prempeh, potentially setting the stage for a family rivalry in the political arena.
With preparations underway, the 2024 presidential election promises to be fiercely contested, with the NPP’s duo of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh facing off against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket led by former President John Dramani Mahama and Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
Story by:Alexander Kukah
