Former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia did not choose his running mate for the 2024 election on a whim. Senior figures within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) encouraged and influenced his choice, according to party insiders.
One such senior member, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, explained that discussions about who would be the best candidate to join Dr Bawumia on the ticket began well before the official announcement. During internal consultations, he says he personally suggested Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, as someone who would strengthen the ticket.
NAPO, a long-serving politician and former minister, had built a reputation through his work in government and was seen as a strong complement to Dr Bawumia’s leadership and expertise. The idea of having him as running mate gained traction among party leaders and was widely discussed before the selection was made.
After consulting with senior party executives, Dr Bawumia formally presented NAPO’s name to the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NPP, which unanimously endorsed the nomination. This approval allowed NAPO to be officially introduced as the vice-presidential candidate on the party’s ticket.
NAPO himself expressed gratitude for the nomination, saying he was honoured to be chosen and committed to supporting the campaign and the party’s vision. The endorsement by the NEC reflected confidence in his ability to help the party pursue electoral success.
In summary, Dr Bawumia’s running mate selection was shaped by deep internal discussions, consultations with senior leaders, and a shared belief that NAPO’s experience would add value to the ticket leading up to the general election
