The Member of Parliament (MP) of Old Tafo, Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah has added his voice regarding the choice of running mate for the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
According to the newly appointed Deputy Minister designate for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, it is imperative that the running mate for Dr. Bawumia in the upcoming 2024 general elections should hail from the Ashanti Region, and that the call for Energy Minister, Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, popularly called as ‘NAPO’, as running mate is not misplaced.
Speaking on Movement TV’s Morning Show on Monday, February 19, he argued that choosing a running mate from the Ashanti Region would not only strengthen the party’s support base in the region but also enhance inclusivity and boost the party’s chances of ‘Breaking the Eight’. He also noted that the ideal running mate should be someone who is responsible, influential, result-oriented, politically adept and with a proven track record.
“The selection process for the Vice President’s running mate is very plain and clear. For me, I belong to the school of thought which believes that the running mate of Dr. Bawumia should hail from Ashanti Region.”
“The period we are in calls for someone whose skills, experience and expertise complement the efforts of Dr. Bawumia. We need to go in for a leader who is an achiever, and with a proven track record; someone who has defied the odds and is known for contributing significantly towards the growth of party and nation as a whole”, he remarked.
This remark comes amidst growing speculation and anticipation regarding the selection process for the Vice President’s running mate.
Meanwhile, the popular opinion held by the grassroots and the rank and file of the New Patriotic Party is that, the flagbearer must select his running mate from the Ashanti region. Thus, the only person who ticks all the boxes is the Energy Minister, Matthew Opoku-Prempeh.
But it remains unclear how this will influence the decision-making processes in the match-up towards the selection of a running mate for Dr. Bawumia.