Dr. Isaac Brako, a political science lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba, has praised the Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, as an accomplished politician whose presence on the New Patriotic Party's ticket for the 2024 elections will significantly enhance the party's winning chances.

Speaking on the US-based Ghanaian radio station Sky FM, Dr. Brako noted that NAPO, as the Energy Minister is widely called, is an experienced politician with diverse portfolios.

Dr. Brako remarked that NAPO's perceived success in the education and energy ministries makes him a viable candidate for the role.

He observed that navigating the two ministries is not an easy task and that for NAPO to excel, in his view, in those two positions is indicative of his astuteness.

"Napo is a medical doctor who has served in various capacities, and he has managed two tough ministries. Being an Education Minister is a difficult job, but he survived. The energy sector is equally a difficult place with the energy crisis and such, but he survived until this point.

"I'm sure if we give him the Sahara Desert, he will manage it. You look at how successful he was at those two ministries, then you can argue that his partnership with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will be very successful," he told Nana Kwabena Agyemang on the show.

Analyzing the possible impact of NAPO on Bawumia's presidential bid, Dr. Brako noted that NAPO's strong connections with the Ashanti Region mean that the NPP could sweep the region and get the grassroots together.

He also noted that NAPO's experience as a lawmaker will come in handy for Dr. Bawumia should he become president.

"He is from the stronghold of the NPP, so he can mobilize support from home to back Bawumia, who will draw a lot of votes from the Northern Region. By picking NAPO, Bawumia is keeping with the party's tradition. The NPP has a tradition, and they trace their roots to the UGCC.

"Napo is a medical doctor who has served in two portfolios. He is also an MP, so he will be bringing all these experiences to the Bawumia campaign. Bawumia hasn't been to Parliament, so may lack in that aspect, and that is where NAPO will be helpful," he said.

His comments follow widespread reports that Dr. Bawumia is likely to name the Manhyia South MP as his running mate for the 2024 elections.

Bawumia, as per reports, has submitted NAPO's name to the National Executive Committee of the NPP in accordance with the party's rules and regulations.

The NEC of the NPP is expected to meet on Thursday, July 3, 2024, to deliberate on the issue.




EK