Isaac Amoah
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Bawumia running mate: Ashanti NPP organiser congratulates Napo, commends NEC & NC for overwhelming endorsement
Source: Isaac Amoah/tntnewspapergh.com
The Ashanti Regional Organiser for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Francis Adomako, has sent a congratulatory message to the newly confirmed running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 general election, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo.
The NPP regional organiser, who had earlier made a passionate appeal to the members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council (NC) to give Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh an overwhelming endorsement as Bawumia’s running mate, has accordingly commended them for the unanimous endorsement.
Francis Adomako aka Francois
According to him, the selection and subsequent endorsement of Dr. Opoku Prempeh to partner the party’s Flagbearer and Vice-President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, would greatly ginger the grassroot members ahead of the December 7 elections
The Ashanti Regional organiser of the NPP, in an interview with The New Trust newspaper online on Thursday, 4th July 2024, maintained his earlier call that apart from his competence, Napo is generally loved by the grassroot members of the party, not only in the Ashanti Region but also throughout the country.
He said Napo is a unifier and a doer when it comes to supporting party activities. “We thank Dr. Bawumia for his right choice,” he added.
The regional organiser, who is popularly known in the political space as François, said having worked as former Asokwa constituency organiser for many years and regional organiser for two terms, and also worked with Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, he can confidently give an assurance that resources are being mobilised to support effective campaign in the region and the entire country without hindrance.
He also called on the rank and file of the party to unite behind the Bawumia-Napo ticket to ensure victory, come December 7 now that he has officially been confirmed by the highest decision making bodies in the party .
“Let’s all come together as one family and work together for a resounding victory devoid of personal and group interest in order to seek the supreme interest of the NPP and the entire country,” he emphasised.
According to him, even before the official announcement by the party, the Bawumia-Napo combination had received a massive endorsement across the globe, especially in the political world bank of the party – Ashanti Region.
MTN EXECUTIVES ADVOCATE FOR PARTNERSHIPS TO CREATE A ROBUST SME ECOSYSTEM
Source: tntnewspapergh.com
Executives of MTN Ghana have reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the growth of local SMEs in Ghana at the recent MTN Ghana Business Executive Breakfast held under the theme “Bridging the Credit Risk Gap for SMEs in Ghana.”
In his keynote address, Mr. Stephen Blewett, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, emphasized the importance of supporting SMEs in accessing funds through strategic partnerships.
He stated that fostering partnerships with banks, microfinance institutions, and FinTech companies is essential to creating a robust ecosystem for SME financing. Collaborative efforts can lead to the development of innovative financial products and services specifically designed to meet the needs of SMEs.
Shaibu Haruna, Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney Ltd shared the company’s plans to develop digital solutions to support SME transactions and enhance financial inclusion through digital payment channels. He mentioned MobileMoney transactions as one of the digital footprints that could help profile customers and enable tailor-made solutions to address specific customer needs regarding access to credit. He cited access to Qwikloan as one source of credit that has been enabled by technology, thereby eliminating bureaucracy and credit risk issues, while admitting that there may be some defaulters.
“We have learned our lessons from Microcredit, and we are ready to provide a basic foundation for financial players to support the ecosystem. We need to evaluate how we use digital footprints to address issues around risk and progressively provide lending for SMEs. By leveraging digital technology, we can create a more inclusive lending ecosystem that supports the growth of SMEs in Ghana,” said Mr. Shaibu Haruna.
Angela Mensah-Opoku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN, reiterated the company’s commitment to facilitating the development of small and medium enterprises through enhanced financial accessibility and technological empowerment. Highlighting the importance of technology in addressing the challenge of creditworthiness for businesses to drive growth, she emphasized that technology provides a platform that helps standardize business processes and avoid paper processing.
“Digital disruption also involves changing what we believe are the standards for financial inclusion; using technology is an authentic way to go,” she added. She stated, “MTN is open to collaboration across the SME value chains. We must work together to support informal SMEs seeking access to working capital for growth. Information asymmetry is a big challenge for them, and we need to be more inclusive. Digital insights and access to data will change the requirements for lending.”
The MTN Executive Breakfast Meeting brought together key stakeholders to explore solutions to bridge the credit risk gap for SMEs. The event highlighted the importance of SMEs to Ghana’s economy and the need for support.
End.
Media Contacts:
Adwoa Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer
Georgina Asare Fiagbenu
Corporate Communications Senior Manager
Email: MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com
NAPO:My nomination is part of God’s plan; it’s a call to higher service
The Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has expressed profound gratitude and humility over his nomination and appointment as the presidential running mate for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
Dr Prempeh, who was selected by the party’s flagbearer, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia was unanimously endorsed by the National Council in accordance with the NPP Constitution on Thursday, July 4.
Read also: NPP’s NEC unanimously approves Opoku Prempeh as Bawumia’s running mate
Expressing deep reverence for this significant role in a statement on Thursday, July 4, the NPP running mate pledged full support to Dr Bawumia, to collaboratively propel Ghana towards greater heights.
Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo
”I view this nomination as part of God’s plan for my life, and I am grateful for His guidance in directing my path. I pray for His ongoing guidance as I move forward. I consider this nomination as a call to higher service, a call to sacrifice and a duty to perform,” he said.
Acknowledging the wealth of talent within the NPP, the Energy Minister recognised the weight of this responsibility and urged all members of the party to unite in striving towards the ambitious goal of transforming Ghana into a prosperous nation.
He extended heartfelt appreciation to the National Council, the party members, and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for their unwavering support and confidence.
Reflecting on past opportunities to serve in two respected cabinet positions, the NPP presidential running mate expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and to win over any doubters.
”It has prepared me for a day like this, and I feel ready to make everyone who believes in me proud and win over the doubters,” Dr Prempeh said.
He emphasised the need for collective effort and called upon every party member to join in seeking the mandate of Ghanaians.
“As I assume the role of running mate alongside my esteemed boss, H.E. Dr Bawumia, l am committed to supporting him to prosecute a formidable 2024 campaign to break the 8-year election cycle and serve our beloved country diligently.
“Let us work together towards a brighter future for Ghana,” the NPP presidential running mate added.
Read the full statement below
Source: Prince Adu-Owusu
Great joy in Ashanti Region over Napo’s confirmation as Bawumia’s running mate
Source: tntnewspapergh.com
Many residents of the Ashanti Region, especially those in the Kumasi Metropolis, are jubilating over the overwhelming endorsement of the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Manhyia South Constituency, who is also the Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, as the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The residents of the region, which is known as the political stronghold of the NPP, have welcomed Dr. Bawumia’s decision to nominate the Manhyia South MP, popularly known as Napo, as his running mate.
According to them, the former Education Minister is a dedicated public servant, who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the country, particularly during the implementation of the Free Senior High School programme, which has transformed the educational sector with a lasting impact on the nation.
Speaking on many radio and television stations as well as on the various social media platforms, the residents noted that Dr. Opoku Prempeh is a strong leader who prioritises the needs of people.
They described him as a unifying figure who would help Dr. Bawumia to govern the country with vision and wisdom, thereby creating more business opportunities to improve economic growth and development.
The residents believe that Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s nomination and endorsement will boost the chances of the NPP in the 2024 polls, and they are confident that the party will retain power, come December 2024.
Many of the supporters of the party, especially those in greater Kumasi, on Thursday,4th July,2024 minutes after the official announcement by the Party’s General Secretary, Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua poured on the streets to jubilate over Bawumia-Napo ticket.
NPP’S GS FULL STATEMENT ON OVERWHELMING CONFIRMATION OF DR. MATTHEW OPOKU PREMPEH AS THE PARTY’S VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ON JULY 4, 2024
STATEMENT BY THE NPP GENERAL SECRETARY, JUSTIN KODUA FRIMPONG, FOLLOWING THE OVERWHELMING CONFIRMATION OF DR. MATTHEW OPOKU PREMPEH AS THE PARTY’S VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ON JULY 4, 2024
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the Press
The National Council of the NPP, which is the second highest decision-making body of the party met today, July 4, 2024, to consider the nomination of Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh by H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s Presidential Candidate, as his Running Mate for the 2024 general elections. The meeting, which ended a few minutes ago, did in fact, consider the said nomination which forms part of the constitutionally mandated processes for selecting the party’s Running Mate as per Article 13(3)(1) of the NPP Constitution.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Article 13(3)(1) of the Constitution provides as follows:
“The Party’s Presidential Candidate shall, in consultation with the National Council, nominate the Vice-Presidential Candidate”.
I am happy to report that after the necessary consideration, the National Council of the party UNANIMOUSLY ENDORSED the Presidential Candidate’s nomination of Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South and Energy Minister, as his Vice-Presidential Candidate pursuant to Article 13(3) of the Party Constitution.
This significant milestone marks the completion of the presidential ticket of the NPP for the 2024 general elections, and therefore, sets the stage for the party to fully engage the Ghanaian electorates comprehensively with our message of transformation.
I wish to, at this juncture, say something little about our vice-presidential candidate, focusing primarily on what he brings to the NPP presidential ticket since he is not a stranger to the body politics of our country. Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is a 56-year old medical doctor, a devoted Christian and a consummate politician.
He is a product of Prempeh College and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, both in Kumasi, as well as the Erasmus University in The Netherlands. It was at KNUST that he made his first appearance as a leader, after he won the position as the local National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) President, a position he held from 1991 to 1992.
After working with the National Health Service in the United Kingdom for some time, he returned to Ghana in 2005 to pursue a career in business and more importantly in politics. He successfully became the Member of Parliament for Manhyia in 2009. Ahead of the 2012 elections, the constituency was divided into two, and in those elections, he won the newly-created Manhyia South constituency, which he retained in 2016 and 2020.
Owing to his passion for education, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed him as Minister of Education during his first term. As Education Minister, Napo, as he is affectionately called, spearheaded the implementation of the famous Free Senior High School policy, Under Dr. Prempeh, the successful implementation of the government’s flagship Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy saw the country’s SHS population leap from 800,000 in 2016 to 1.2 million by January 2021.
It is instructive to note that Napo ensured that this policy was rolled out within the first year of the Akufo-Addo government when he was appointed as Education Minister. He didn’t ask for honeymoon. I repeat, he didn’t ask for honeymoon. It will be recalled that at the time he announced that he was going ahead to implement the policy, many people, including some from civil society organizations (CSOs) and some senior members of the government thought it was too early to implement such bold and far-reaching policy.
But, typical of Napo, would have none of that. He showed boldness and decisiveness when it mattered most, and went on with the policy, which is by far, the biggest social intervention in the nation’s education sector since Independence. Today, posterity has vindicated him. Ghana certainly needs leaders who are bold and decisive, because that is the only way we can achieve results.
It is also worthy to note that throughout his 4-year tenure as Minister for Education, there was significant industrial harmony and stability in the education front. He ensured that the concerns of teachers and other players in the education sector were adequately attended to. This therefore confirms that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has an incredible interpersonal and negotiation skills. He is arguably the only Minister of Education in this Fourth Republic to have achieved this feat.
Having delivered at the Ministry for Education, the President appointed him during his second term to head the Ministry of Energy, where he again, demonstrated his stellar leadership qualities. He worked very hard to KEEP THE LIGHTS ON, even during the
times of unprecedented global economic crisis when every sector of the economy was virtually in “darkness”, gasping for breath.
We however concede that in the last couple of weeks and months, some parts of the country did face some power challenges. But, the good news is that, unlike in the past particularly under H.E John Dramani Mahama, where we slept in darkness for over four(4) years, Dr. Prempeh ensured that the recent power challenges we experienced did not last beyond three (3) months. He is indeed results-oriented, and there is absolutely no debate about that.
In recognition of his leadership skills, his contribution towards education in Ghana, particularly in respect of his role in the implementation of the government’s flagship Free SHS programme and other transformational policies in education, Dr. Prempeh has been honoured by the University of Education Winneba, the University of Cape Coast and the University of Professional Studies, Accra with the conferment on him with honourary doctorate degrees.
In July 2021, he was invited to join the Mission 4.7 High-Level Advisory Group, a joint initiative of UNESCO, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the Ban Ki-Moon Center for Global Citizens and the Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) at Columbia University.
In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, if you were to ask me what Dr. Matthew Prempeh brings to the NPP presidential ticket, I will tell you he brings decades of political astuteness, trustworthy leadership, confidence, decisiveness, grassroots mobilization, charisma, patriotism and demonstrable incorruptibility.
Again, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh shares Dr. Bawumia’s vision of bold solutions for our country that are responsive to the needs, opportunities and challenges of the 21st century. In this respect, he complements our flagbearer in many significant ways and the two enjoy a warm, personal relationship anchored on deep mutual respect.
More importantly, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has a great working relationship with our Presidential Candidate, H.E Alhaji Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia.
The synergy between these two great leaders on our presidential ticket, coupled with their proven track-record and transformational campaign message would help the New Patriotic Party to secure a resounding third consecutive electoral victory on the 7th of December 2024, by the grace of God.
OFFICIAL:NPP’s NEC unanimously approves Napo as Bawumia’s running mate
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has unanimously approved Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo as the running mate for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 general elections.
The party highlighted that Dr Opoku Prempeh meets all the criteria for the running mate position, which led to his unanimous approval.
Speaking at the Alisa Hotel on Thursday, July 4, the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, emphasised that Dr Opoku Prempeh, also known as Napo, is a proven achiever.
Frimpong further noted that the Manhyia South Member of Parliament possesses the qualities needed to strengthen the party’s ticket and secure victory in the upcoming election.
He stated that Dr Opoku Prempeh has demonstrated his incorruptibility and is known for his bold views aimed at the collective good of the country.
The party expressed confidence that Dr Opoku Prempeh’s capabilities and integrity will be instrumental in their campaign for the 2024 general elections.
Profile
Born on May 23, 1968, in Ashanti New Town, a suburb of Kumasi, NAPO hails from Pakyi No. 2 in the Ashanti Region.
He started his basic education at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Primary, and continued to Prempeh College in Kumasi for his middle school education
He studied Human Biology and Medicine at KNUST and completed his MB CHB in 1994. He continued with post-graduate studies in MSc. Clinical Epidemiology at the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences in 1998, and at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University where he studied Leadership and Government (certificate course). In 2002, he pursued postgraduate training in surgery in the UK (MRCS).
Prior to entering parliament, NAPO served as CEO of Keyedmap Security Services Limited from 2004 to 2009.
He is also a medical doctor and served as a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of the United Kingdom from 1999 to 2003.Source: Ernest K. Arhinful
Dr. Ayew Afriye fetes the elderly within Effiduase-Asokore Constituency
Source: tntnewspapergh.com
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Effiduase-Asokore Constituency, who is also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and Middlebelt Coordinator for the Bawumia 2024 Presidential Campaign, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, has organised a party for senior citizens within his constituency.
The Effiduase-Asokore legislator is well known for his benevolence and kind-hearted attitude towards people, especially the aged.
He treated the elderly people to good old music by legendary Smart Nkansah, including food and drinks. Besides, he made a huge donation to their associations to support them.
Apart from that, Dr. Afriye gave loads of gifts to the senior citizens to make the occasion, which was the first of its kind, a very memorable moment.
Speaking at the party, the MP said, “It is always an honour to be among the elderly because they are embedded with wisdom and blessings, and it is always an honour to be among you.”
He appreciated their support over the years and promised to continue to support them.
In response, the leadership of the senior citizens expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Afriye for his kind gesture.
Again, they praised him for his dedication and commitment towards the various developmental projects and the hundreds of young people he has empowered in his youth empowerment drive within the constituency.
Dr.Ayew Afriye holding one of the aged hand
President Akufo-Addo nominates Herbert Krapah for Minister of State at Energy Ministry
President Akufo-Addo is asking Parliament to expeditiously confirm Deputy Energy Minister, Herbert Krapah as a Minister of State at the Ministry.
This appointment comes as the substantive Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is set to be confirmed as the running mate to the NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Herbert Krapah
The Speaker of Parliament read the President’s request to the House on Wednesday, July 3.
“In view of the exceptionally heavy workload now attendant at the ministry, it has become necessary to appoint a Minister of State at the Ministry in the person of Honourable Herbert Krapah who is currently a deputy minister. I would be extremely grateful if Parliament acts expeditiously on this request to enable a full complement of the ministers and deputy ministers to undertake their important functions as soon as possible,” portions of the President’s letter to the MPs read.
Dr Bawumia formally informed the party’s national officers about his running mate choice earlier this week.
The meeting took place at the NPP’s headquarters in Asylum Down Accra, following an earlier presentation of Dr Opoku Prempeh’s nomination to the majority caucus in Parliament.
It appears this fresh development is to ensure that a vacuum is not created at the Energy Minister’s office once Dr Opoku-Prempeh is announced as Dr Bawumia’s running mate.
The Manhyia MP’s nomination is now awaiting the decision of the MPP’s National Council, which is the final approving body of the party.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the National Council is scheduled for Thursday, July 4, where Dr Bawumia is expected to officially announce his choice to them.Source: Myjoyonline.com
Bawumia running mate: Ashanti NPP organiser appeals for overwhelming endorsement of Napo by NEC & NC members
Source: tntnewspapergh.com
The Ashanti Regional Organiser for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Francis Adomako, has made a passionate appeal to the members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council (NC) to give Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh an overwhelming endorsement as Bawumia’s running mate for the 2024 general election.
According to him, the need to nominate Dr. Opoku Prempeh to partner the party’s Flagbearer and Vice-President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to ginger the grassroot members ahead of the December 7 elections cannot be overemphasised.
The Ashanti Regional organiser of the NPP, in an interview with this portal on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024, said that apart from his competence, Napo, as he is affectionately called, is generally loved by the grassroot members of the party, not only in the Ashanti Region but also throughout the country.
He said Napo is a unifier and a doer when it comes to supporting party activities. “We thank Dr. Bawumia for his right choice,” he added.
“I wish to humbly appeal to the highest decision bodies of our party – National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council (NC) members – to give Napo an overwhelming endorsement in tomorrow’s meeting to send a strong signal to the entire country, especially members of the NPP, that we’re well poised to ‘break the 8’,” he indicated.
Francis Adomako aka Francois
The regional organiser, who is popularly known in the political space as François, said having worked as former Asokwa constituency organiser for many years and regional organiser for two terms, and also worked with Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, he can confidently give an assurance that resources are being mobilised to support effective campaign in the region and the entire country without hindrance.
He also called on the rank and file of the party to unite behind the Bawumia-Napo ticket to ensure victory, come December 7.
“Let’s all come together as one family and work together for a resounding victory devoid of personal and group interest in order to seek the supreme interest of the NPP and the entire country,” he emphasised.
According to him, even before the official announcement by the party, the Bawumia-Napo combination has received a massive endorsement across the globe, especially in the political world bank of the party – Ashanti Region.
