Political marketing expert Professor Kobby Mensah has stated that it is only a matter of time before the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, officially names the Minister for Energy and Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), as his running mate.

During an interview on Radio Gold on June 22, 2024, Professor Mensah claimed that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is likely to select the energy minister as the NPP vice presidential candidate for the December 7, 2024, election, unless there are any unexpected changes.

He explained that the delay in unveiling NAPO as the running mate is due to two main reasons, one being the interest of prominent political figures within the NPP regarding who the running mate should be.

"Barring any last-minute hitches, almost everybody in this country, especially people who are political watchers, have tipped NAPO to be the running mate. I think the sticking point, or perhaps the reason why it is taking too long, is because there were too many interests; obviously, some key figureheads had their preferences, and so the flagbearer of the NPP was struggling to name his running mate," he said.

Professor Mensah, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, also mentioned that the teams of the vice president and the energy minister are currently working on establishing a strong working relationship.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring a harmonious working dynamic between Dr. Bawumia and NAPO, given their differing personalities.

"Another sticking point is also the working relationship… no one would have to argue that NAPO is very ambitious; he has a lot of drive – he is a very, very actionable person. Now, there is a huge contrast between him and the flagbearer (Dr Bawumia).

"So, if you want to work as head of the ticket and running mate, you need a very solid strategy in terms of how you are going to work with the two," he said.

Watch Professor Mensah’s full remarks in the video below (starting at 15:00).



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