With an official announcement expected in the coming days, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is set to be named presidential running mate by the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the 2024 general elections.

According to political analysts and supporters of the Manhyia South MP, his nomination proves critical in garnering support and consolidating the party’s grip of the Ashanti Region as a stronghold.

They hold that his nomination is more significant owing to his connection with the Ashanti royal family and the Manhyia Palace.

NAPO’s connection with Manhyia

Born to Ohenena Kwame Kyeretwie and Madam Elizabeth Akosua Nyarko, NAPO’s father was one of the many sons of the 14th Asantehene, Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh II.

During his reign, he was instrumental in founding Prempeh College, a prestigious all-boys boarding school in Kumasi, and donated land for the construction of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). KNUST later awarded him an honorary degree of Doctor of Science in 1969.

As son of the Asantehene, Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie ruled as chief of Apagya in the Afigya Kwabre District for over four decades until his demise on June 23, 2013.

Leveraging royalty for political support

The Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Asantehene, is more than just a physical location; it is a hub of cultural and political power in the Ashanti Region. NAPO's relationship with Manhyia is deeply rooted in his upbringing and has been a significant aspect of his identity, both personally and politically.

As a direct descendant of Ashanti royalty, NAPO carries with him the expectations and responsibilities of his heritage. His selection as the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to some extent is deemed a strategic move that resonates with the people of the Ashanti Region, who see in him a reflection of their own values and aspirations.

The Ashanti Region has been a stronghold for the NPP, and NAPO's nomination is expected to solidify this support even further. His royal background, combined with his political acumen, makes him a unique asset to the party and a compelling candidate for the electorate.

In terms of political experience, NAPO has been a member of parliament since 2009 and held the position of Minister for Education in the first term of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

His legacy as education minister includes being instrumental in the implementation of the government’s flagship Free Senior High School policy.

He is the current minister for energy responsible for energy policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation as well as supervision and coordination of activities of Energy Sector Agencies.

His direct competition going into the election will be the running mate of the leading opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang who has also held the position education minister under an erstwhile NDC administration.



GA/SARA

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