Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye, former Speaker of Parliament, has debunked claims of endorsing Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as flagbearer for the 2024 elections.

According to him, an interview he granted o “to Okyeman’s TV host, Raymond Kumah” featured prominently, former President Kufuor.

Contained in a press release, the former Speaker of Parliament maintained that the interview was not about flagbearership “at all”. In his view, the interview centred on the NPP and what it “stands for”.

“My attention has been drawn to a publication on pages 1 and 11 of The Daily Dispatch issue of Wednesday, May 19, 2021, claiming that I, Prof. Aaron Michael Oquaye, have said that Bawumia should be NPP’s 2024 Flagbearer.

“I wish to state emphatically that I have not endorsed anyone as the 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party”.

Additionally, Mr. Oquaye explained that the only question he answered with regards to the Vice President was on the country’s digitization initiative.

“Indeed, having asked the progress of Ghana’s digitization initiative under Dr Bawumia, I categorically stated that, ‘It will be fantastic if we are able to continue with this digitalization, automation and ICT”.

NPP stalwarts

Justifying his stance, Mr. Oquaye further extolled other I Ministers of State whom he believes are equally “excellent material”. He rehashed his view on Dr Bawumia, describing him as an “A-Plus’ performer”.

However, he exemplified other NPP stalwarts, including Hon. Kyeremanten, Dr Akoto, Hon. Ursula, Dr Prempeh”.

“The Trade Minister is today a global authority on International Trade, Business and Investment. The headquarters of the Africa Trade Organisation, etc., exemplify him. Also, Dr. Akoto complements development in our agro-based industry for our food both home and abroad. His work stands unprecedented in Ghana.

“The brilliance of Hon. Ursula in the application of ICT for national development must be spoken about, entirely without prejudice. She is also ‘A plus’. Similarly, Dr. Prempeh is managing the challenges in the Energy Ministry just like he did in the Education Ministry and we are all looking up to him and other brilliant stars which we the elders are proud of”.

Disregard claims of endorsement

Mr. Oquaye, urged members of the general public to disregard any claims of his support for Dr Bawumia. He further revealed that this also extends to or any other individual in the New Patriotic Party.

Additionally, he advised members of the party to lay emphasis on spreading the good works of the Akufo-Addo-led administration or risk “heading for disaster”.

“To have misconstrued and misrepresented the comment on Ghana’s digitization progress as an indication for a particular individual to be the Flagbearer of the NPP in 2024 is not only inaccurate but a complete falsehood.