Running mate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has pledged service and leadership, rallying support to come on board since the task ahead requires collective effort.
He committed to supporting the flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to prosecute a formidable 2024 campaign to break the 8-year election cycle and serve Ghana diligently.
The National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has approved the nomination of Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, as running mate to the Party’s Flagbearer, Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for the 2024 presidential election.
This was after earlier meetings with the National Executive Council and the National Steering Committee of the party.
The nomination was approved at the Party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Accra yesterday.
Vice-President and NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has nominated Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, as his choice for running mate.
In reaching his decision, Dr. Bawumia engaged with several key party stakeholders, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, national party officers, and the Majority Caucus of Parliament, and presented his nominee to the National Executive Council.
The National Council serves as the final approving body for the party’s running mate selection.
According to Article 13(b) of the NPP constitution, the party’s Presidential Candidate shall, in consultation with the National Council, nominate the Vice-Presidential Candidate, who must be a known and active member of the party for at least five years.
In his acceptance speech after the National Council approved his nomination, he said, “Let us work together towards a brighter future for Ghana.”
Dr. Prempeh said he is privileged and duty-bound to fully support Dr. Bawumia as they work together to realize his visionary agenda of propelling Ghana to greater heights.
He called upon all members of the NPP to join hands as they collectively strive to achieve their ambitious goal of transforming Ghana into a prosperous nation.
He noted that the NPP is enriched with numerous astute personalities and therefore recognizes the significance of his selection and does not take it lightly.
The running mate viewed this nomination as part of God’s plan for his life and was grateful for His guidance in directing his path, saying, “I pray for His ongoing guidance as I move forward. I consider this nomination as a call to higher service, a call to sacrifice, and a duty to perform.”
Dr. Prempeh expressed gratitude to the National Council, the rank-and-file of the party, and esteemed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for their unwavering support and faith in him.
He also thanked the President again for the opportunity granted him to serve in two respected cabinet positions.
“I am forever grateful. I am equally grateful to my colleague Ministers of State and members of Parliament for the confidence reposed in me.
“It has prepared me for a day like this, and I feel ready to make everyone who believes in me proud and win over the doubters,” he said.
Mr. Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary of the NPP, told journalists that Mr. Prempeh was unanimously approved by the NEC.
He described Mr. Prempeh as “results oriented” and expressed confidence that the Bawumia-Prempeh ticket would secure victory for the NPP in the 2024 General Election.
He said Dr. Prempeh meets all the criteria for the running mate position, which led to his unanimous approval.
Mr. Frimpong further noted that the Manhyia South Member of Parliament possesses the qualities needed to strengthen the party’s ticket and secure victory in the upcoming election.
He stated that Dr. Opoku Prempeh has demonstrated his incorruptibility and is known for his bold views aimed at the collective good of the country.
The NPP General Secretary expressed confidence that Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s capabilities and integrity will be instrumental in their campaign for the 2024 general elections.
In a Facebook post, Dr Bawumia members of the National Council for their unanimous and emphatic endorsement of the astute and brilliant Dr. Prempeh as his running mate.
His selection is seen as a strategic move by Bawumia to consolidate support within the party and across the country, especially in the Ashanti region.
Enthusiastic supporters have gathered outside the venue, celebrating in anticipation of the official announcement.
Jubilant party members, waving flags and chanting slogans, have created a festive atmosphere, expressing their excitement and support for the prospective running mate.
Brief Profile of Dr. Prempeh
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, 56, is currently the Minister for Energy and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South Constituency – a seat he has occupied since 2008. Born on Thursday, May 23, 1968, Dr. Prempeh is a native of Pakyi-NO 2, in the Ashanti Region. He is a former Minister of Education and a Medical Doctor. Dr. Prempeh had his post-graduate studies at the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He also studied Human Biology and Medicine at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Prior to joining Parliament in 2009, Dr. Prempeh served as Chief Executive Officer of Keyedmap Security Services Limited from 2004 to 2009 and as a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of the United Kingdom from 1999 to 2003, serving the National Health Service, United Kingdom as a Senior Health Officer. Dr. Prempeh also had a short stint at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital as a Medical Officer from 1995 to 1997.
In his last four terms in Parliament, Dr. Prempeh has served on several Parliamentary Committees such as Health, Appointments, Special Budget, and Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed Dr. Prempeh as Minister of Education in January 2017 and subsequently named him as a Member of Cabinet.
At the commencement of his second term in 2021, the President named Dr. Prempeh as the Minister of Energy, and he has since occupied that position.
