The path is now clear for the National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to officially endorse Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, known as Napo, as the running mate of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the upcoming December 7 elections.

This endorsement follows extensive consultations by the presidential candidate, which included the approval of Dr. Opoku Prempeh by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the NPP majority in Parliament.

Prior to presenting his running mate to the party’s National Council, Dr. Bawumia held discussions with Dr. Opoku Prempeh and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, yesterday evening to reconcile differences and strategize for the future.

Majority in full support

On Friday, June 28, 2024, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin affirmed the caucus's unanimous backing of Dr. Bawumia's selection of Napo as his running mate. This announcement came following a meeting between the Majority leadership and Dr. Bawumia to deliberate on his choice of running mate.

In an interview with Citi FM, Mr. Afenyo-Markin indicated that the party’s national council will convene shortly to formalize the decision.

"Yes, the leader of our party and flagbearer met with the leadership of Parliament and had an extensive engagement with us regarding the way forward for the party going into the 2024 elections.

"The conclusion was that our respected colleague, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is his choice for running mate. And that is normally the practice, and out of respect, the caucus would have to be informed and engaged about the decision," he said.

He added, "Afterward, I proceeded to engage the caucus, and so far, the feedback has been positive. The generality of the caucus members is in support of his choice. What it is, is that for it to become official or confirmed, there's going to be a national council meeting.

"From what he tells us, it appears that there's going to be a general consensus on that, and that will be no problem. We also enquired from him the views of the President on it, and it was very positive. So, this means that the various organs have been engaged with the information and that everything is set for our brother, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, to join him to hold the flag of the party for the 2024 elections."