The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has chosen the Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), as his running mate for the upcoming 2024 election, a decision that appears to have created a divide within the party.

Some members of the NPP, including the Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, have expressed that NAPO is not the right person to partner with Bawumia.

They argue that NAPO would not be able to bring the needed unity as a vice-presidential candidate, which would help the party win the December 7, 2024, polls.

However, the NPP MP for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has given reasons why Dr. Bawumia settled on NAPO as his running mate.

Speaking in an interview on Class FM, on Friday, June 28, 2024, Dr. Adomako Kissi stated that the main reason Bawumia chose NAPO was their strong relationship.

He said that NAPO is the choice for the vice-presidential candidate because he complements the party’s flagbearer.

He also indicated that the choice was influenced by competence and not religion or tribe.

“I believe that the vice presidency or the running mate decision will not be heavily weighted towards religion or tribe but rather competence and how best the individual can complement Dr. Bawumia. And I really think that the relationship also matters, and I think over the years the relationship between the pair matters,” he said.

He added, “And that is why if you look at the relationship between Dr. Bawumia and NAPO, it has been quite solid over the years. And they understand each other, and that is very important. And I think that that may have been more of a reason why the vice president decided that (NAPO should partner him).”

About NAPO's nomination:

According to a report from myjoyonline.com, the NPP flagbearer presented NAPO as his running mate during a meeting with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

JoyNews' Presidential Affairs correspondent, Elton Brobbey, reported that after the vice president presented his choice of running mate to President Akufo-Addo, the president offered advice and shared his thoughts before ultimately accepting Dr. Bawumia's choice.

"He was first elected to Parliament on June 1, 2008, and successfully re-elected in 2012, 2016, and 2020. He has served on the Health, Appointment, and Defence and Interior Committees of Parliament. In 2017, President Akufo-Addo appointed him as Education Minister, and he currently holds the position of Energy Minister. His name is Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO," the journalist reported.

Watch Dr. Adomako Kissi''s remarks in the video below:



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