By:Isaac Amoah

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.