Support continues to grow within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for former Energy Minister and 2024 Vice Presidential Candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, to retain his position as running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2028 general elections.
A political commentary authored by legal practitioner Iddi Muhayu-Deen Esq. has reignited discussions within the party regarding NAPO’s political relevance and contributions to the NPP’s electoral fortunes.
According to the article, NAPO’s record in public office, particularly his role in the implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy under the Akufo-Addo administration, remains one of his strongest credentials. The commentary described him as bold, decisive, and result-oriented, stating that his leadership was instrumental in overcoming skepticism during the rollout of the flagship education policy.
The piece also highlighted his tenure as Minister for Energy, crediting him with helping stabilize Ghana’s power supply and introducing discipline within the petroleum sector during a period marked by global economic challenges.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh was selected by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as his running mate for the 2024 general elections, a ticket that energized sections of the NPP grassroots during the campaign season.
Despite the NPP’s loss in the 2024 elections, the commentary argued that post-election reviews and political research findings did not attribute the defeat to either Dr. Bawumia or NAPO. Instead, factors such as incumbency fatigue, unpopular government policies, perceived arrogance of power, and neglect of party grassroots were cited as the primary causes.
The article referenced findings from the Oquaye Election Review Committee, Global Info Analytics, and KAS International as supporting evidence for the claim that the Bawumia-NAPO ticket remained one of the party’s strongest political assets throughout the election period.
As the NPP begins preparations toward the 2028 elections, internal discussions over the choice of a running mate are expected to intensify. However, supporters of NAPO insist that his experience, grassroots appeal, charisma, and campaign energy make him the most strategic choice for the party moving forward.
The commentary further described NAPO as incorruptible, approachable, and compassionate, noting that many Ghanaians continue to share testimonies about his positive impact on their lives.
The article concluded by describing him as one of the NPP’s greatest political assets and a key figure in the party’s quest to reclaim power in 2028.
