In what could be a game-changing move for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the 2024 elections, Senior Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has proposed Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the most suitable choice for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate.

Asah-Asante highlighted Opoku Prempeh’s exceptional competence in various roles, which he believes makes him the ideal candidate for the position.

“As for me, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is number one. In his area of work, he has demonstrated that he has what it takes to lead anytime the call comes and all that. So, he will be Dr Bawumia’s top choice for his running mate.”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante

The lecturer expressed confidence in Opoku Prempeh’s ability to enhance Bawumia’s electoral prospects, emphasizing that Bawumia recognizes the strengths and advantages that the energy minister brings to the table, ensuring a prudent decision-making process.

The endorsement comes following Vice President Dr. Bawumia’s successful clinching of the NPP’s flagbearer position on November 4, 2023, ahead of the upcoming December polls. While the Vice President is yet to announce his running mate officially, analysts have been speculating on potential candidates.

Dr. Asah-Asante emphasized Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s leadership qualities and track record, suggesting that his selection would be a prudent decision for Dr. Bawumia. The move could potentially solidify the NPP’s position and pave the way for a successful campaign in the upcoming elections.

The name of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has been frequently mentioned as a potential running mate for Bawumia, with political scientists and analysts tipping him as the most suitable candidate. This choice is based on his decisiveness, boldness, and firmness, which have been instrumental in implementing significant policies and interventions, such as the Free SHS policy and ensuring stable power supply during economic crises. Opoku Prempeh’s leadership style and track record have also been scrutinized, with critics focusing on his decisiveness and firmness rather than his personality traits.

Pollster Ben Ephson also predicted that Bawumia would choose Opoku Prempeh as his running mate, basing his forecast on extensive research and insights from individuals connected to Bawumia’s camp. Ephson emphasized that a Bawumia-Opoku Prempeh ticket would be strategic and beneficial for the party, particularly in securing maximum votes in the Ashanti Region, a crucial stronghold for the NPP.

Alongside Dr. Opoku Prempeh, other names frequently mentioned as potential running mates for Dr. Bawumia include Dr. John Kumah, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Joseph Osei Owusu, Prof. Opoku Onyinah, Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare, and Communications Minister Ursula Owusu Ekulful.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s exceptional competence

During Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s tenure as the Education Minister, he was crucial in implementing the Free Senior High School program, aiming to provide secondary school access to all qualified Ghanaian pupils. This initiative eliminated financial constraints and increased enrolment rates.

He also led the Ministry of Education to implement extensive curricular changes aimed at modernizing the curriculum to international standards and enhancing the skills of students for the future. He prioritized programs to improve teachers’ abilities and capabilities through training courses and workshops designed to enhance teaching approaches and ensure high-quality instruction.

Also, as the Minister of Energy, Dr. Opoku Prempeh has focused on tackling the sector’s issues with practical solutions and a strong commitment to his team. He has led initiatives for rural electrification, renegotiated power agreements, improved the cylinder recirculation concept, and created a petroleum center.

He has also managed the Energy Industry Recovery Programme (ESRP) to increase the efficiency of the energy industry. Prempeh has promoted downstream petroleum operations, lifting restrictions on the development of LPG refilling plants and funding the National LPG Promotion Programme (NLPGPP). He has also managed initiatives in the upstream oil and gas industry, researching discoveries and increasing reserves and oil and gas output.

These roles highlight Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s significant contributions to Ghana’s development in the areas of education and energy, demonstrating his commitment to improving the country through leadership, knowledge, and a focus on sustainability and inclusivity.