PRESS STATEMENT BY THE GRASSROOTS FOR NAPO TO OUTLINE THE REASONS FOR THE
NEED TO APPOINT DR. MATHEW OPOKU PREMPEH AS VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF
THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY.
We thank you for accepting our invitation at such short notice and welcome you all to our press conference.
We have invited you here to formally convey the Grassroots for NAPO stance on who should be selected as Vice
presidential candidate to partner with Dr Mahamadu Bawumia going into the 2024 elections. It is our firm belief
that a candidate for the high office of the Vice president should have overwhelming support from the rank and
file of the party and gain massive endorsement from the teaming Youth of the country. We have engaged party
folks from different parts of the country and the only name that kept resonating like tidal waves is no other
person than Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh (aka NAPO). We have outlined five important reasons why we think
NAPO is NPP’s best bet as Vice Presidential Candidate going into next year’s crucial elections.
1. Ashanti Region as NPP Stronghold: No one can underestimate the influence and role Ashanti Region
plays in garnering votes for the NPP in any major election. In the 2020 general election, President
Akufo Addo garnered 1,793,629 votes representing 72.8% of the valid votes cast while his contender
Mahama garnered 652,962 votes representing 25.5% of the valid votes cast. It is therefore non-
negotiable for the NPP to pick a vice presidential candidate from Ashanti Region to rally Ashanti
Region Strongly going into the 2024 election. It is interesting to note that, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia
made a giant leap in Manhyia South Constituency in the just-ended presidential primaries of the NPP.
Dr. Bawumia had 478 votes representing 85.5% of the valid votes cast. His closest contender, Hon.
Kennedy Agyapong had 77 votes representing 13.8% of the valid votes cast. This result represents the
highest vote for Dr Bawumia among the Ashanti Region Constituencies and demonstrates the strong
faith of the people of Manhyia South in Dr Bawumia to become the next president of Ghana. We must
state categorically that, the massive endorsement of Dr. Bawumia in Manhyia South Constituency
was a result of the good work, influence and goodwill of Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh.
2. NAPO as a Distinguished Minister: NAPO has distinguished himself as a minister with his
outstanding leadership and support for reform initiatives at the Ministries of Education and Energy
respectively. He successfully led the implementation of the government's flagship program, the Free
Senior High School Policy. As you can recollect, this major initiative was pooh-poohed by our
political opponents as bait to hook-wing and cajole Ghanaian voters. That notwithstanding, Dr
Mathew Opoku Prempeh was able to oversee the implementation of the free SHS policy amidst stiff
opposition and wild propaganda by detractors of the government. NAPO remained firm, confident
and bold in decision-making throughout the initial implementation stages of this complex policy
initiative. In his capacity as Energy Minister, Dr Prempeh has guided players in the energy industry
through significant transformational vision areas such as maintaining the nation's electrical supply
and enabling the constant supply of petroleum products at reasonable costs. In addition, Dr Prempeh
oversaw the creation of Ghana's energy transition framework, which offers a precise roadmap for the
country's fair and reasonable transition. It will be remembered that in 2022, the Africa Public Sector
Conference and Awards recognized Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the Best Minister.
3. Support for Party activities.: NAPO is passionate about the NPP and extends a helping hand to support
most party activities across the country. He contributed heavily to almost all programs of the party in
the Ashanti Region. NAPO is known to have extended his benevolence and support of the party to
several regions including Volta, Oti, the Northern regions and several orphan Constituencies in other
Regions.
4. Support and Relationship with the Youth: If there is anybody within this government who believes in
the youth and resonates with them, it is Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh. He is a father figure who gave
many young people across the country several opportunities. He gives a listening ear to young people
irrespective of their tribe, party or religion. It is unbelievable yet true that NAPO has time to engage
any young person who reaches out to him via WHATSAPP amidst his heavy schedule. What manner
of man is this?
5. Mathew Opoku Prempeh is a colossus in Parliamentary practice having served four consecutive terms
in the Ghanaian legislature. He is a vociferous voice on legislative issues both in and out of parliament.
He understands the rudiments of parliamentary practice and has been at the forefront of the activities
of the Ashanti caucus in Parliament. Currently, a member of the Defense and Interior Committee and
also the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Dr Mathew Opoku is best placed to liaise the
Parliamentary caucus with the government and party for a harmonious running of campaign activities
and eventual victory in 2024.
In light of the foregoing, we the grassroots made up of polling station executives, constituency executives,
TESCON and party members unanimously endorse Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh as a preferred candidate to
partner with Dr Bawumia in the 2024 General Elections. We therefore appeal to the leadership of the party
and HE. Dr Mahamadu Bawumia to consider appointing Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh as the Vice-presidential
candidate of NPP for the 2024 elections.
NAPO is the man! Give NAPO the mandate! And watch the youth break the 8 with Dr Mahamadu Bawumia!
Eshie radoooooooooooooooo.
Signed
Eric Dumenu Akatsi (Ericus ThePatriot)
Convenor-0240687802
(Grassroots For NAPO)
Emmanuel Korku Sesi (Great Things)
Secretary-0247901262
(Grassroots For NAPO)
