Why Bawumia chose Napo as his running mate

Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has in his recent book, The President Ghana Never Got, unveiled the reasons behind Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s choice of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, known as NAPO, as his running mate.

According to Awuni, NAPO played a crucial role in Bawumia’s decision to select him for the position.

Awuni reveals that NAPO, initially preparing to contest for the NPP flagbearer position himself, decided to step aside to support Bawumia’s candidacy.

“When Bawumia reared his head, NAPO told Bawumia that he had been preparing for a long time to contest, but since Bawumia was contesting, he would step back and support his candidacy. Bawumia was touched by that gesture and earmarked NAPO for the running mate position,” the book states.

The book also notes that Bawumia’s choice was influenced by NAPO’s strong political standing and connection to the Ashanti Region, despite concerns about his perceived arrogance.

Awuni further highlights that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was surprised to learn about Bawumia’s decision from external sources rather than from his own advisors.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, had been aware of the choice two months before the official announcement to the President.

Additionally, Bawumia had discussed his decision with former President John Agyekum Kufuor before informing President Akufo-Addo.

While Akufo-Addo and his family had hoped for Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Bawumia initially preferred Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah. Ultimately, NAPO’s political connections and his significance in the Ashanti Region made him the preferred choice.

Source: tigpost.co