Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, in his latest book, The President Ghana Never Got, reveals intriguing details about how Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, was chosen as the running mate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The book uncovers that Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was privy to this decision a full two months before President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was officially informed.

According to Awuni, President Akufo-Addo was surprised to learn about Bawumia’s selection from external sources rather than his own advisors. The revelation that Otumfuo knew of Bawumia's decision weeks before it reached the President underscores the complexity of the situation.

“The Asantehene had mentioned it to the President. Akufo-Addo was shocked to hear the news at his next door from someone about 250 kilometres away. But this was not accidental,” the book quotes, according to MyJoyOnline.com.

Three weeks prior to Bawumia’s formal communication with the President, the Asantehene had already disclosed the choice during a conversation, leaving Akufo-Addo taken aback. Manasseh Azure Awuni notes that Bawumia had also consulted former President John Agyekum Kufuor before informing the President.

“The information about Bawumia’s choice of running mate was more secure with the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace than in Akufo-Addo’s Jubilee House and the state intelligence agency he trusted to conduct the research,” the book further reveals.

Manasseh recounts how NAPO had initially expressed his intentions to contest but stepped aside to support Bawumia when he learned of his candidacy. This gesture left a significant impression on Bawumia, who then earmarked NAPO for the running mate position.

Although NAPO was not considered the ideal candidate due to perceptions of arrogance, he was ultimately chosen because of his strong political ties, especially his connection to the Ashanti Region, which was seen as a crucial factor.

Interestingly, the book also notes that President Akufo-Addo and his family had hoped for Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum to be selected as the running mate. Initially, Bawumia preferred Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, the former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, for the role, but NAPO’s political standing made him the final choice.