Political scientist and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Kwame Asah-Asante, has said the Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, stands tall amongst the names tipped to partner NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, as a running mate going into the December 7 general election.
Dr Asah-Asante’s comment follows the release of a survey purportedly conducted by the National Investigation Bureau (NIB). The report shows overwhelming support for the Manhyia South lawmaker as the “preferred choice” for Dr Bawumia.
3news.com’s checks from the NIB drew blank as they will neither deny or confirm the report. The Spokesperson of the Bawumia Campaign team, Miracles Aboagye has downplayed the importance of the report.
But speaking on Accra-based Joy FM on Thursday, June 20, Dr Asah-Asante emphasised the popularity of the Energy Minister within the rank and file of the ruling NPP, saying that the survey is “a true reflection of the situation on the ground.”
“You want to get somebody as a running mate for [Dr] Bawumia. You need certain qualities that will be part and particle of the characteristics of someone you want to have as a leader of the party. I have no doubt in my mind that NAPO [Dr Opoku Prempeh] stands tall than the rest of those names people have bandied around.”
He further indicated that on the back of Ghana’s political system, which is first-pass-the-post, a personality with a huge following within the party is highly recommended.
“Politics is a game of numbers and if you look at NAPO, he is close to the rank and file of the party… apart from that given the ministries that he has served, he has a number of following due to the policies that he put in place that have resonated with homes and families.”
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NIB said 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 the NPP executives polled.
The Minister of Education and Member of Parliament of Bosomtwe, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, came in second with 10.16%.
However, other notable personalities the delegates consider for the role include Apostle Opoku Onyinah, former Chairman of the Pentecost Church-Ghana, and Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture and MP for Abetifi Constituency.
Additionally, in the contest between the Energy Minister and Dr Adutwum, the Energy Minister secured 84 percent, while Dr Adutwum garnered 15.7 percent.
Meanwhile, the report cautioned the NPP against the selection of Dr Opoku Prempeh due to his handling of the recent power crisis in the country.
“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 his competence in managing the energy sector, thereby enhancing the party’s prospects in the 2024 general elections,” the survey recommended.
