Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh,aka Napo,the running mate to the governing New Patriotic Party(NPP) 2024 flagbearer,Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia,has stated emphatically that, he did not mean to denigrate the former President,Dr.Kwame Nkrumah or any other President in his recent assessment of the performance of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s achievements.
The immediate past Energy Minister, who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South in a statement dated 12th July, 2024,has cleared the air.
Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo
The full statement entitled “I DID NOT MEAN TO DENIGRATE FORMER PRESIDENT,KWAME NKRUMAH OR ANY OTHER PRESIDENT”, is attached below: “My statement last Tuesday,9th July in Kumasi on the performance of President Akufo-Addo has elicited varied reactions.
The statement reflects my personal opinion about President Akufo-Addo’s impact related to other Presidents we have had.
I wish to emphasize that I never meant to disrespect our former President,Dr.Kwame Nkrumah,or any of our former heads of State, including my own grand uncle and mentor,Mr.John Agyekum Kufour.
I note the concerns raised after my statement. I apologise sincerely and regret any discomfort caused.Thank You.Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh,Running mate to the NPP Presidential candidate,July12,2024.
The District Chief Executive(DCE) for Sekyere Kumawu, Hon. Samuel Addai Agyekum, has said that, the pairing of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh,aka Napo, as flagbearer and running mate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for December 7 general election, is a perfect solution for Ghana,and the Party
Speaking on the “Talk Ghana Show” on Wontumi TV, the DCE,who is also a Communication Strategist,praised Dr. Bawumia’s achievements in digitizing the economy and spearheading key infrastructure projects. “Bawumia’s vision for a modern Ghana is unmatched,” him.Agyekum asserted.
Hon.Samuel Addai Agyekum
He,also lauded Napo’s innovative approaches to education, highlighting the significant improvements in the sector under his leadership. According to him,“Napo’s passion for education and youth development aligns perfectly with our party’s values,” he added.
The pairing was met with widespread approval, with many hailing it as a masterstroke. Dr. Bawumia’s economic expertise and NAPO’s transformative work in education made them a formidable duo. Their partnership was seen as a perfect blend of experience, vision, and passion.
As the campaign season gained momentum, the pairing was increasingly seen as a winning formula for the NPP.
The news sent shockwaves throughout the political landscape, with many praising the pairing as a masterstroke. According to insiders, the party’s leadership carefully selected NAPO for his impressive track record in the education sector and his ability to connect with the grassroots.
“Dr. Bawumia, a renowned economist and seasoned politician, had been widely speculated to be the running mate. His expertise in economic management and his role in the NPP’s previous electoral successes made him a natural choice,” says the DCE.
In the end, the Bawumia-NAPO duo played a crucial role in the party’s success, and their partnership was hailed as a masterstroke by the NPP leadership. Mr. Agyekum’s early recognition of their potential had been vindicated, and he remained a key supporter of the dynamic duo as they worked together to build a brighter future for Ghana.
An aspiring National Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress NDC Joseph Yammin has suggested that 2020 flagbearer of the NDC and former President John Mahama has achieved more for Ghana than Kwame Nkrumah, the nation’s founder.
Mr. Yamin was addressing an opposition student wing gathering TEIN.
If you ask me comparatively, years by years, I can confidently tell you that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is ahead of the achievements of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,” Mr. Yamin told the TEIN students.
Mr. Yamin compared projects executed by both Presidents Mahama and Kwame Nkrumah.
“Nkrumah built harbours right… Under John Dramani Mahama Takoradi, Tema [ports] were expanded and ships that could not land at ports built by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah today can land under John Dramani Mahama. It is an achievement” He explained.
“If you talk about schools, under John Dramani Mahama…..under the good professor 200 secondary schools in 4 years. 123 completed some others by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo left to.Source:mynewsgh.com
The Omanhene of the Wasa Amenfi Traditional Area and President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, has assured the Vice Presidential Candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, that he and his chiefs will continue to pray for him and Dr. Bawumia for their dreams to come true.
The Omanhene made these remarks when Napo called on him at his palace in Wassa Amenfi.
Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II welcoming Napo at his palace
“I am grateful that right after your ‘outdooring’ you are here to pay homage. It is a testament of your reverence to me and the traditional authority. Keep your focus as we also pray for you and Dr. Bawumia,” he said.
He continued, “I am grateful that right after you were ‘outdoored’, my palace is your first port of call. Those who say the things they say about you don’t know you, so don’t worry. It is said that if you want to test the intelligence of people, intentionally lie against them. I urge you to keep your focus as we continue to pray for your dreams and that of Bawumia to come to pass soon.”
On his part, Dr. Opoku Prempeh expressed gratitude to Tetrete, asking for more of his prayers for him and Dr. Bawumia as they crisscross the country asking the electorate for their vote.
“For me, I have always held that there should be a perfect relationship between the political class and the traditional authority. I am committed to this more because that is the vision of Dr. Bawumia,” he pointed out.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh was ‘outdoored’ as the 2024 Vice Presidential Candidate of the NPP on Tuesday, 9th July, and has since hit the ground running, engaging with relevant stakeholders as he seeks to embark on a strong campaign in support of his boss, Dr. Bawumia.
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has accused the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, of running away from a possible debate because he is afraid his “empty policies will be exposed.”
Bawumia said he is looking forward to a debate with the NDC’s flagbearer despite him [Mahama] saying he doesn’t want to debate.
Addressing party supporters during the second phase of his nationwide campaign at Nalerigu on Wednesday, July 11, Bawumia accused Mahama and NDC communicators of struggling to explain the party’s proposed 24-hour economy.
Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia JDM BMW
He added that he will continue to sell the NPP’s policies to Ghanaians, whether Mahama agrees to a debate or not.
“I am looking forward to a debate with John Dramani Mahama on the economy and governance but I am afraid he is running away from a debate and his people say he doesn’t want to debate. He says he doesn’t want to debate because he knows that I will expose the emptiness of his policies.
“He says he has a 24-hour economy policy that he cannot explain, it is as empty as an empty barrel. None of his people can explain it and they say they will be exporting lions and elephants.
“When we meet man-to-man, we can debate and the country will see where our policies lie and that is where we should go, give the country an opportunity to listen to us, but if he chooses not to debate, I will continue to sell my policies to the people of Ghana and you will take the decision.” By:Kabah Atawoge
The Deputy Works and Housing Minister, Dr Prince Hamid Armah, has said the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is attempting to tarnish the reputation of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the NPP flagbearer.
He said they see the former Energy Minister widely known as Napo, who was unveiled in a pomp and pageantry fashion as the running mate on Tuesday, as a threat.
Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo
Dr. Armah, who is the Kwesimintsim MP, suggests that the NDC’s actions stem from a fear of Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s formidable personality and capabilities.
“The NDC is aware of Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s extensive experience and proven competence, which is why they are attempting to undermine him,” Dr. Armah stated during an interview.
Dr Prince Hamid Armah
He added, “I believe the NDC is intimidated by the prospect of Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh joining Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on the NPP ticket. They are just afraid.
“The Energy Minister brings a strong character, a profound understanding of our political landscape, and an impressive track record in public service. Dr. Opoku Prempeh has consistently excelled in his public service roles.”
Reflecting on his own experience, Dr Armah added, “Having worked under him at the Ministry of Education, I can attest to his results-oriented approach. If you want someone who delivers, Dr. Opoku Prempeh is the one.”
Addressing the criticisms from the NDC, Dr Armah remarked, “Such comments are normal in our cultural context, where confidence is often mistaken for arrogance, while timidity is seen as respect and humility. The NDC’s attempt to label him as arrogant will not succeed.”Source: Myjoyonline.com
In a recent appearance on GTV’s Talking Point, Mr. Hayford Siaw, Chief Executive of the Ghana Library Authority, fiercely defended Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, refuting allegations of arrogance against him. Mr. Siaw’s comments fit into a larger discussion on the attributes of Dr. Prempeh, whom the NPP’s flagbearer for the forthcoming December 2024 presidential elections, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, has chosen as his running mate.
Managing the Ministry of Education for four years, the biggest public sector employer without a single union strike, is evidence of Dr. Prempeh’s talent and leadership ability, as Mr. Siaw underlined.
“The Ministry of Education and its agencies employ a great number of people with various union groups, yet Dr. Prempeh navigated these complex interests skillfully, achieving a record zero strike action and the longest period of industrial peace in the sector in recent years,” Siaw said.
He vehemently denied the accusations of arrogance, characterizing them as unfounded creations by detractors. He related a particular incident sometimes mentioned by critics in which Dr. Prempeh’s answer to a journalist was purportedly misrepresented.
Mr. Hayford Siaw
Mr. Siaw asserts that Dr. Prempeh’s response was targeted at former President John Dramani Mahama, who had advocated for a power rationing timetable. “It was purely a political response to an opposition leader, not an indication of arrogance towards the Ghanaian people,” Mr. Siaw said.
Emphasizing Dr. Prempeh’s qualities, Mr. Siaw praised his competence, patriotism, and empathy.
“Ultimately, Ghanaians want a running mate who can complement the flagbearer and efficiently deliver on their mandate for their well-being. Dr. Prempeh is living all these values,” he said.
By highlighting Dr. Prempeh’s track record of achievement as minister in the Ministries of Education and Energy, as well as his capacity to make a constructive contribution to the nation’s growth, Mr. Siaw has provided more clarity to assure the Ghanaian people that indeed, Dr. Prempeh is suitable for the vice-presidential role.
An aspiring Parliamentary Candidate for the Manhyia South Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Nana Owusu Afriyie Prempeh, has picked the number one (1) position on the ballot.
This was after a successful vetting and balloting process for the election set for Sunday, 14th July 2024, to get a replacement for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, who has been confirmed as running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the ruling New Patriotic Party Flagbearer.
The vetting committee cleared all the four persons who successfully filled their nomination papers prior to the close of nomination on Tuesday, 9th July 2024.
The balloting positions of the aspirants were:
Nana Owusu Afriyie Prempeh #1
Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah #2
Akwasi Cooker Gyambibi #3
James Owusu Boakye #4.
Some sympathisers of Nana Owusu Afriyie Prempeh, the current Manhyia South Constituency Treasurer, trooped to the constituency office to offer him massive support.
Speaking to journalists, he declared his readiness to continue the good legacies of the incumbent Member of Parliament, who has been selected as Bawumia’s running mate, with diligence and commitment.
According to him, his constituents deserve a leader who would understand their needs and translate them into policy interventions.
Nana Owusu Afriyie Prempeh, who is also the biological brother of Napo, expressed his gratitude to the people for their unwavering support and love.
Short video;
Attached is the profile of Nana Owusu Afriyie Prempeh:
All you need to know about Nana Owusu Afriyie Prempeh, the preferred person to replace Napo in Manhyia South*
PERSONAL DATA OF OWUSU AFRIYIE PREMPEH
Date of Birth: February 4, 1979
Nationality: Ghanaian
Professional Qualification/Membership
Institute of Chartered Accountants, ICAG (Ghana)
ICAG, Member
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountant, CIMA (UK)
ACMA/CGMA, Member
Education
•London School of Accountancy & Management (UK) (2006-2010)
CIMA Qualified in 2010
•University of Westminster (London)
•European School of Business (CERAM), Sophia Antipolis (France) (Dual Master’s Degree Programme with a semester abroad) (2004-2005)
MSc International Finance
•Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana) (1999-2002)
Bachelor of Arts (HONS) Law & Sociology
•Prempeh College (Ghana) (1989-1996)
G.C.E ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels
Relevant Professional Experiences
•Ghana National Petroleum Corporation; Manager, Corporate Finance (May 2024 to date)
Duties include:
Working capital management
Cash management and invoicing
Cash flow forecast and daily fund positions
Monitoring of loans, letters of credit (LC) covenants and foreign currency needs
Payroll processing and analysis
Designing and maintaining a system of policies and procedures on treasury activities
•Ghana National Petroleum Corporation; Manager, Institutional Reporting (December 2023 to May 2024)
Duties included:
Reporting to external stakeholders
Preparing and publish annual reports to relevant agencies
Enhancing transparency and governance through the publication of statutory reports
•Ghana National Petroleum Corporation; Principal Accounts Officer (October 2018 to December 2023)
Duties included:
Preparing and submitting draft Corporate Budget document.
Issuing quarterly budget performance report for submission to State Interest and Governance
Authority (SIGA)
Leading the mid-year budget review process and issue a draft report
Serving as Finance representative on Tender Evaluation Panel, analyse and advise the panel on the
financial statements of the tenderers
•Member of the Natural Gas Clearing House Reconciliation team
•Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited; Treasury Officer, (August 2018 to 15th October 2018)
Duties included:
Ensuring that the Bank’s assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are revalued daily
Preparing Daily and Weekly Management Reports
•The Royal Bank Limited, Ghana; Assistant Vice President, (April 2013 to August 2018)
Duties included:
Conducting Money Market Deals
Trading on the FX Market to ensure that the Bank operates within open position limit and meets its
customers’ requirements
Ensuring efficient management of the Bank’s investments
Managing Regulatory Prudential Reserve Requirement
Ensuring that the Bank’s assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are revalued daily
Preparing Weekly Management Reports
•Investpro Ghana Limited, Ghana; Investment Officer (May 2011- December 2012)
Duties included:
Deputising for the Executive Director in respect of investment advisory matters
Responsible for the day-to-day management of the investment section
Ensuring that the investment section operates effectively and efficiently
UK Star Group, London; Assistant Accountant (January 2010 –April 2011)
Duties included:
Assisting in the preparation of internal reporting documents such as monthly management accounts,
budgets and forecasts.
Maintenance of various ledgers
Preparing financial statements and reports as per regulatory and legal requirements
•Showforce UK Ltd, London; Health and Safety Officer (2006-2008)
Duties included:
Ensuring safety of clients and staff
Ensuring the compliance of health and safety regulations on site
•Manhyia Palace Secretariat (Ghana); Administrative Assistant (2003-2004)
Duties included:
Assisting in the production of budgets and cash flow projections
Helping in performing full charge book keeping through financial statements
•Manhyia Palace Museum (Ghana); National Service Personnel (1997-1999)
Duties included:
Acting as a tour guide
Assisting the Curator in the performance of his duties
Certificates Awarded
The Art of Leadership, Dubai (December 2021)
Exploration and Production Accounting, Levels 1&2, London (November 2019)
Analytics and Big Data, Accra (June 2019)
Excellence Award for participating in Treasury Bourse Game, Citibank, Accra (June 2016) – 1st
Prize.
Africa at the Heart of Volatile Global Markets, Paris (October 2015)
Strategic Assets and Liabilities Management and Risk Management, Ghana International Bank,
Accra (August 2015)
Money Market Operations, National Banking College, Accra (March 2015)
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, running mate of the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says no president, not even the revered first President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, has developed Ghana like the current President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He indicated that President Akufo-Addo’s accomplishments are unmatched.
Speaking during his outdooring in Kumasi on Tuesday, NAPO lauded the President’s development initiatives and transformative leadership.
Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo
“Since independence from 1957 till today, we’ve not had any president that has helped Ghana like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. I say from 1957 to now if you take your Kwame Nkrumah, no one has become president who has protected Ghana and moved it forward like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” NAPO stated.
Bawuma introducing Napo to Asanateman
President Akufo-Addo officially outdooring Bawuma-Napo ticket at Kumasi Jubilee park
He stressed that under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, Ghana has seen substantial progress in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the economy.
NAPO underscored that the government’s policies, such as the Free SHS policy and the One District, One Factory initiative, have been widely praised for their impact on the nation’s development
His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has blessed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), and his running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, who doubles as Energy Minister.
The King of Asante Kingdom gave his blessings on Tuesday, 9th July 2024, at the Manyhia Palace when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially presented Dr. Bawumia and Dr. Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, to him and the Asanteman Council ahead of the December 7 elections.
Credit for pictures:Opemsuo radio
The Asantehene recounted how he brought up his grandson, Napo. He said Napo sought his advice when he decided to enter politics after Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor, former MP for Manhyia South and former Defence Minister, had decided not to contest as MP again.
He said when President Akufo-Addo assumed power, he informed him (Otumfuo) that he wanted to appoint Napo as Education Minister.
Napo and wife at Manhyia palace
Again, when the President won his second term, he came to inform him about his decision to move Napo from the Education Ministry to the Energy Ministry.
“I’m very happy that the President himself has publicly testified about the good works of Napo in the two ministries,” Otumfuo pointed out.
He said he had already held a closed-door meeting with his grandson and given him all the needed advice to enable him to continue to succeed in all his endeavours.
“We’ll continue to pray for Napo. I urge him to give Dr. Bawumia the needed support to justify the confidence reposed in him by selecting him as his running mate,” he added.
Dr.Bawumia and Dr.Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka Napo
Otumfuo renewed his advice to the NPP and other political parties to publicise their achievements and tell Ghanaians what they’re capable of doing should they be given the mandate.
Earlier, President Akufo-Addo showered praises on Dr Opoku Prempeh for his good performance in the educational sector, especially during the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy.
He added that Napo’s performance in the Energy Ministry had also been excellent.
“Otumfuo, I’ve worked with both Dr. Bawumia and your own grandson, and I know they’re capable of continuing the good foundation I’ve laid; they’ll implement policies and programmes needed to accelerate the needed development,” he stressed.
President Akufo-Addo also seized the opportunity to thank Otumfuo and Asanteman for the support given him as President for two terms.
