The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described the selection of Energy Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the running mate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the December 7th Presidential elections as a case of tribal bigotry and failure.

A release signed by the NDC's Volta regional Chairman, Comrade Mawutor Agbavitor on July 5, 2024, read in part: "The recent announcement by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding their choice of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as running mate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the upcoming elections has raised significant concerns among the people of the Volta Region and indeed, the entire Nation.

Opoku Prempeh's nomination should be widely condemned by objective and peace-loving citizens as it reflects not just poor judgment, but also a blatant reward for arrogance, reckless comments, disrespect, and tribal bigotry."

The NDC indicated that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh had a well-documented history of making derogatory remarks and exhibiting discriminatory attitudes, especially targeted towards the people of the Volta Region, during his tenure as a minister of state.

"For the avoidance of doubt, Matthew Opoku Prempeh is on record to have said he will mobilize the people of Kumasi to demonstrate if the then Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Attah, dares allocate funds to address the tidal waves situation bedeviling the people of the three southern Volta municipalities. Tribalism is undoubtedly the bane of contemporary African societies, as such, anyone seeking to occupy the high office of Vice President of the Republic of Ghana must not been seen as ethnocentric as publicly demonstrated by Napo with reckless abandon," the release indicated.

It added that the choice of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh which is being celebrated by the NPP, is not only an insult to the dignity and intelligence of the Ghanaian electorate but also a stark reminder of the divisive and reckless leadership style that has characterized the NPP's governance.

"It is evident that the ruling party is more interested in perpetuating arrogance and intolerance rather than promoting unity and competent leadership.

In fact, choosing a hot-headed and tribal bigot like Napo over very respectable and astute politicians of the Ashanti region is very typical of the NPP - Dr. Bawumia can only be likened to Odewale in Ola Rotimi's "The gods are not to blame," - The choice of Napo from the Ashanti region was sheepishly made with the laughable intent of effecting mass defection of members of the Butterfly Movement in the Ashanti Region to shore up their chances.

But sooner than later, the repercussions of this wrong choice will plainly manifest when the NPP gets caught up in a rather disappointing turn of events when the electorate votes massively against the badly thought-through Bawumia & Napo ticket as a reward for his toxic arrogance and tribal posturing," the release said.

It called on all well-meaning Ghanaians to see the decision to select Napo as the NPP's running mate for what it truly is ahead of the December polls.

"As we approach the December 7th elections, we call on all well-meaning Ghanaians to see this decision for what it truly is: a reward for arrogance and reckless talks against the NDC's choice of the learned, respectful, respectable, and venerable Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, running mate to H.E. John Dramani Mahama."

"I am by this release urging the discerning Ghanaian electorate, especially in the Volta Region, to vote massively against this Bawumia-Napo ticket to ensure that such divisive elements do not continue to hold positions of power.

As Regional Chairman, I would like to reiterate that the Great NDC remains committed to fostering unity, respect, and inclusive governance for all people in all regions of Ghana. Together, let us in unison stand strongly against bigotry, hate speech, and arrogance, especially by public officials who are given the opportunity to serve, and work towards a brighter, more unified, peaceful future for our beloved country." the release said.