According to Joseph Osei Owusu, he was first tipped to be Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate in the 2024 elections, but he was forced to turn down the offer because of his health.

Speaking on Asetene Pa with Akoto Mansa, Osei Owusu disclosed that he was invited by the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to collaborate with Bawumia, and that even then-President Nana Akufo-Addo personally called him to convince him to accept the role.

“I was poised to become the running mate of the NPP, but I had to flatly turn down the offer due to my health at the time.

“Even President Akufo-Addo called me, asking me to explain my refusal, but I stood my ground,” the Bekwai MP disclosed.

The party ultimately chose Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as Bawumia’s running mate after he decided to resign.

But the NPP ended up losing badly in the polls, which has led to discussions about whether Osei Owusu’s expulsion affected the party’s prospects.