Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (R)
The immediate past running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has declared his unflinching support for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the party’s upcoming flagbearership contest slated for January 31, 2026.
Speaking exclusively to Philip Osei Bonsu (OB) on Eko Sii Sen, and monitored by GhanaWeb on August 26, 2025, Dr Opoku Prempeh popularly known as NAPO said it would amount to betrayal to turn his back on Dr Bawumia after the former Vice President nominated him as his running mate in 2024 despite internal opposition.
“I have worked closely with all the aspirants, but Dr Bawumia stands tall as the most capable and befitting leader to steer the affairs of the NPP,” he asserted.
On accusations that Dr Bawumia caused the party’s poor performance in the 2024 general elections, particularly in the Northern Region and Zongo communities, NAPO dismissed the claims, stressing that post-election reviews, including one conducted by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, never blamed him.
“The real issue was voter apathy over two million of our own supporters stayed away from the polls. The NDC did not even benefit from it,” he explained.
He also cautioned NPP flagbearer aspirants against resorting to tribal and divisive rhetoric, warning that it could endanger the party’s unity.
“If you invite sin, sinful deeds will visit you. Tribal bigotry has no place in our politics and must be resisted,” he warned.
He further urged aspirants to speak the truth and refrain from making false claims, stressing the need for decent and truthful political discourse.
Turning to national issues, the former Energy Minister expressed disappointment in the John Mahama government over what he described as the mistreatment of the Chief Justice.
He said he was shocked that the Council of State could establish a prima facie case against the Chief Justice on what he termed “flimsy allegations.”
“I am bitter about the way the Chief Justice is being treated. If this path is pursued, it will erode judicial independence and plunge the judiciary into insecurity,” NAPO cautioned.
On the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people including five top state officials and three military personnel, Dr Opoku Prempeh urged restraint in public discourse.
He condemned attempts to politicise past procurement decisions of the military, including the purchase of aircraft, which was opposed by MPs who now serve as ministers.
He further called for a sober national conversation on the need for a presidential jet.
In conclusion, NAPO urged politicians and the general public not to be blinded by the pursuit of political power to the point of opposing every good initiative by government.
He advised Ghanaians to refrain from “24-hour politics” and to give the John Mahama administration at least a year to settle before passing harsh judgments.
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