The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been urged to expedite the process for appointing a running mate for the 2024 election, in the best interest of the party and Ghanaians at large.

Richard Kwadwo Adu, a prominent member of the NPP in the Wenchi constituency, offered this advice during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wenchi, Bono Region.

Describing the appointment of a running mate to pair with Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the next general election as overdue, Adu said, "The selection of a running mate for our great party shouldn't pose a problem; therefore, the party leadership must clear this hurdle now."

He stated that the Vice President, who is also the NPP's 2024 presidential candidate, has the right to choose a suitable running mate for the party.

However, he also believes it is wise for the party's leadership to step in and facilitate the process in the supreme interest of the NPP and the electorate.

As a political stronghold for the NPP in the Bono Region, Adu mentioned that the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections are crucial for the party's grassroots in the Wenchi constituency.

He expressed the local party members' disappointment over what he described as a delay in appointing the running mate.

"The electioneering campaign has already begun in the constituency, but our main challenge is identifying who to promote as our running mate.

"The masses and party members are eager to know, and the party leadership must accelerate the process," stated Adu, who is also the founder of "G Boys," an emerging political group in the constituency.

The group advocates for the appointment of Dr. Mathew Opoku-Prempeh, the Minister of Energy and Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia, as the NPP's running mate for the 2024 election.

With approximately six months until the general election, Mr. Adu emphasised that the NPP needs a running mate who is already well-known, charismatic, and has a proven track record.

"This will simplify the task of introducing him to the voters. That's why we are advocating for Dr. Opoku-Prempeh's appointment as the running mate.

"He has already established a strong presence in the political arena, and his appointment would further bolster our chances of victory on December 7," Mr. Adu explained.