In the intricate road to who becomes the New Patriotic Party’s running mate ahead of the 2024 general elections, the Assin Central Member of Parliament, Honorable Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has stepped into the spotlight with a bold assertion that the only credible choice for the running mate position alongside the party’s flagbearer H.E. Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is none other than Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
The former flagbearer aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party’s vocal endorsement of Dr Prempeh stems from a belief in the duo’s potential to secure victory for the ruling New Patriotic Party in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Speaking to delegates at the Bantama constituency ahead of the party’s primaries, the maverick politician underscored Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s positive rapport with party members, citing his affable nature and commitment to party welfare.
“If you go to NAPO’s office, you will be marvelled at the way he relates with party people. He takes care of party people. If we had 5 of his kind in the party, the NPP would have been better off and far ahead of the NDC. Given the current circumstances where many of our members are despondent, selecting NAPO will be the only way to bring back the needed energy for victory in the 2024 elections”
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
Moreover, Mr Agyapong’s endorsement goes beyond mere words; he asserted that the only way he will actively campaign for the New Patriotic Party in the 2024 general election is if Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is named the running mate.
It is worth noting that the above declaration comes from a figure who garnered over 30% of the votes in the party’s November 4 2023 presidential primaries, hence there is no doubt such declaration carries weight within the governing New Patriotic Party.
Again, the underlying sentiment in Mr Agyapong’s endorsement appears to align with the majority of grassroots expectations that the Vice Presidential candidate should hail from the Ashanti Region.
It is therefore reasonable that as an Asante royal and son of Otumfuo’s Apagyahene, Dr. Prempeh is perceived as possessing unparalleled ties to the Manhyia Palace, a factor that could rally immense support within the Asante kingdom and potentially eliminate despondency within the New Patriotic Party.
In addition, some political pundits have argued that Dr Prempeh’s deep connections to the grassroots, coupled with his stellar performance as Minister for Education and subsequently Energy Minister, make him a strong contender for attracting both party loyalists and floating voters.
They have particularly posited that his track record positions him as a suitable figure to give the New Patriotic Party the required political capital, securing votes and ensuring a successful bid against former President John Dramani Mahama.
The endorsement by Mr Agyapong specifically underscores the significance of Dr Prempeh’s nomination in uniting the various factions within the party.
For instance, as a figure who has proven his dedication to party members and showcased competence in key ministerial roles, Dr Prempeh could potentially bridge gaps and solidify the New Patriotic Party’s chances of victory in the 2024 elections.
In the unfolding narrative of the complex internal dynamics of the ruling New Patriotic Party, the prospect of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr Matthew Opoku Premepeh’s partnership could emerge as a potential game-changer.
Even though it remains to be seen whether the party will heed Mr Agyapong’s recommendation, the implications of such a decision could reverberate through the political landscape in the country which would ultimately set the stage for a compelling electoral contest in the December 7 2024 general elections.
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