Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh leads in NPP’s choice of running mate for Bawumia – NIB Survey

 

The Energy Minister, and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is widely preferred among party members to be the running mate to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, according to a survey by the National Investigation Bureau.

 

The survey engaged 5,116 NPP delegates nationwide, including national, regional, constituency, and polling station executives.

According to the study, Dr Opoku Prempeh secured 76.2% of the responses from executives polled.

Following him was the Minister of Education and MP for the Bosomtwe, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, who garnered 10.16%.

 

Other notable personalities the delegates consider for the role include Apostle Opoku Onyinah, former Chairman of the Pentecost Church-Ghana; Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture and MP for Abetifi Constituency, Chief of Staff Fremah Osei Opare, and Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu.

With the 2024 general election barely six months away, Dr Bawumia faces the challenge of choosing among some party bigwigs.

Meanwhile, the survey reveals a strong consensus that the running mate should be selected from the Ashanti Region.

According to the NIB report, the majority of respondents, approximately 84%, believed that Mr Opoku Prempeh is the ideal running mate for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia due to his charisma and popularity among
party members.

Nonetheless, in its recommendation, NIB warned the flagbearer to be cautious when selecting Dr Prempeh.

“Given Dr Prempeh’s current role as the Minister of Energy, the ongoing power crises in Ghana
could impact his candidacy. Therefore, the government may need to implement necessary
measures to solidify its competence in managing the energy sector, thereby enhancing the party’s
prospects in the 2024 general elections.”