Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, famously known as NAPO, the Vice-Presidential running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), delivered a speech that was both a homage to the current leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and a powerful call to action for the party’s future.
The speech emphasized the continuity of leadership within the NPP and the vision to secure a prosperous future for Ghana, building on the achievements of the past eight years.
Dr. Prempeh began his speech by sharing a deeply personal and significant memory from 2011. In this recollection, he narrated how he was abruptly woken up around 2 AM by the security detail of President Akufo-Addo, who was then a senior member of the NPP but not yet President.
This was during a time when Akufo-Addo was strategizing for the future of the party. Alone in the canteen of a famous hotel in Boulder, Akufo-Addo had a candid conversation with Dr. Prempeh, during which he imparted crucial advice. Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of grooming the next generation of leaders within the NPP, saying:
“My whole aim is to make sure when we get into government, we succeed ourselves.”
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh the Vice Presidential Running mate of the NPP
According to NAPO, the words from the Vice President were not just a reflection of Akufo-Addo’s foresight but also a directive to those he trusted to carry the torch forward. In that conversation, Akufo-Addo revealed that there were only three individuals he felt comfortable entrusting with the future leadership of the NPP, should he exit office.
Dr. Prempeh noted the significance of this moment, understanding that Akufo-Addo was looking far ahead, beyond his political ambitions, to ensure the NPP’s sustainability and continuity in governance.
Fast forward to the present day, and Dr. Prempeh acknowledged that Akufo-Addo’s vision has borne fruit. He stated:
“He’s our second presidential candidate who is offering eight years of competent leadership, eight years of delivery. I can say without any doubt that two of the three are representing and coming after him.”
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh the Vice Presidential Running mate of the NPP
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Dr. Prempeh referred to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and himself, as the people who are pivotal figures in the NPP’s leadership. This continuity, he argued, is not just about maintaining power but ensuring that the party’s legacy of competent governance and delivery is sustained for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
Dr. Prempeh then shifted focus to his recent activities, particularly in the Western Region, which he described as crucial to the NPP’s national success.
He recounted his extensive travels throughout the region, visiting multiple constituencies and engaging with local leaders and chiefs.
The Western Region, often seen as a stronghold for the NPP, has been a key battleground in past elections, and Dr. Prempeh’s efforts to consolidate support there are part of a broader strategy to ensure victory in the upcoming general election.
He expressed his gratitude for the warmth and support he received from the people of the region, saying:
“I’ve been everywhere with the chairman of the party and the regional minister of the region and I can only say thank you for the good work you do on behalf of NPP.”
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh the Vice Presidential Running mate of the NPP
This gratitude was coupled with a recognition of the stakes in the forthcoming election. Dr. Prempeh described it as a “call to duty” for all NPP members and supporters, emphasizing that the party is ready to win the election and that their manifesto is a clear testament to their readiness to continue governing. He declared:
“This general election, we will win. With God, it is possible.”
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh the Vice Presidential Running mate of the NPP
One of the highlights of Dr. Prempeh’s speech was his reflection on the transformative impact of President Akufo-Addo’s policies, particularly in the education sector. He praised the President’s bold initiatives, such as the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, which has significantly increased access to education across the country. He recalled how, before the implementation of Free SHS, many Ghanaian students were unable to further their education due to financial constraints. He recounted:
“In 2017, 40,000 Ghanaian students had passed the WASSCE exams but could not get their results because they couldn’t pay examination fees.”
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh the Vice Presidential Running mate of the NPP
Dr. Prempeh argued that students struggling to pay school fees are now a thing of the past and thanked the NPP’s policies under Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
The introduction of Free SHS has ensured that every child who qualifies can attend secondary school without the burden of school fees.
Dr. Prempeh emphasized that this policy was not just about increasing enrollment but also about improving the quality of education. He pointed out that under Akufo-Addo’s government, significant investments have been made to equip schools with the necessary infrastructure, including the provision of IT laboratories and laptops for both teachers and students. He stated:
“Mr. President, when the naysayers said it couldn’t be possible, you made it possible.”
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh the Vice Presidential Running mate of the NPP
These achievements, according to Dr. Prempeh, have set a new standard in Ghana’s education system and will have a lasting impact on the country’s development.
He credited President Akufo-Addo with not only expanding access to education but also ensuring that the education provided is of high quality, thereby preparing Ghanaian students to compete in the global economy.
Dr. Prempeh reaffirmed his belief in the NPP’s ability to continue the work started by Akufo-Addo. He expressed confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, highlighting his dedication and readiness to serve the people of Ghana from day one. Dr. Prempeh concluded his speech with a powerful reminder of the NPP’s track record:
“The NPP which he [Dr. Bawumia] represents, which he leads, and when he says to lead is to solve, has a record of delivery. In 2016 and 2020, the NPP delivered on this manifesto.”
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh the Vice Presidential Running mate of the NPP
This statement underscored the party’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and delivering tangible results to the people of Ghana.
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