Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), recently expressed his support for Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the NPP’s Vice Presidential candidate, in an interview on GHOne TV with Serwaa Amihere in Kumasi. Despite controversies surrounding some of Napo’s statements during campaign rallies, Chairman Wontumi believes that most Ghanaians are pleased with his selection as the running mate. He commended Napo for his role in successfully implementing the Free Senior High School policy, highlighting his competence and dedication to delivering on key government initiatives.
“When we set up our first policy, free education, he was in charge. The same Napo, when he was transferred from education to the energy ministry, he was equally good. It’s about the policies, making sure they are good,” Chairman Wontumi emphasized, underscoring Napo’s track record of excellence in various ministerial roles.
Chairman Wontumi also called for a debate between the running mates of the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to allow Ghanaians to assess the capabilities of each candidate vying for the Vice Presidential position. He challenged Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the NDC’s running mate, to engage in a direct debate with Napo to showcase their respective qualifications and competencies.
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, previously served as the Minister for Education from 2017 to 2021, where he received accolades as the best minister in Ghana in 2017 and 2019. Following his tenure in the education sector, Napo was appointed as the Minister of Energy in 2021 before resigning on Thursday, 11 July 2024, upon his selection as the NPP’s Vice Presidential candidate.
On the other hand, the NDC’s Presidential candidate, John Mahama, and several party executives have rejected calls for a debate with Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s Presidential candidate, and Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh. During a recent campaign tour in the Greater Accra Region, Mahama dismissed the need for a debate and instead urged Dr Bawumia to focus on discussing the current state of the economy.
Chairman Wontumi’s interview underscores the growing anticipation and expectations surrounding the upcoming elections, with both parties gearing up for a highly contested race. Ghanaians eagerly await the outcome of the elections and the subsequent impact on the country’s political landscape.
