Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has successfully mediated longstanding disagreements within the party ranks, particularly between two prominent figures in the Ashanti Region. This mediation comes ahead of a crucial announcement regarding his choice of running mate for the December 2024 elections.
The conflict resolution involved Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Wontumi, the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, known as Napo, who serves as the NPP Member of Parliament for Manhyia South and the current Minister for Energy. The disagreements, which centered around party dynamics and the potential nomination of Napo as Bawumia’s running mate, had created a significant rift within the party’s regional framework.
Dr. Bawumia’s initiative to bridge these divides was part of a series of broader consultations he conducted in preparation for his upcoming announcement. According to Asaase Radio, a crucial meeting was held at the Vice President’s official residence, which saw the attendance of Wontumi, Napo, Nana Nkansah Boadu, and other senior NPP members.
The discussions during this meeting were described as constructive, leading to a resolution of all outstanding issues between Wontumi and Napo. Sources familiar with the situation reported that both leaders have agreed to set aside their differences and unite under Bawumia’s leadership, signaling a strengthened front as the party approaches an important electoral phase.
This newfound unity is expected to culminate in Dr. Bawumia presenting Dr. Napo as his running mate nominee to the NPP’s national council. This presentation is scheduled for endorsement on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Should the national council endorse Napo, Dr. Bawumia will officially announce him as his running mate in the first week of July, marking a significant development in the NPP’s strategy for the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
In order for the NPP to put up a united front in Ghana’s fiercely competitive politics, these internal problems must be resolved. In order to prepare for an election that seems to be both difficult and revolutionary for the nation, it is imperative that party leaders unite and that positions and candidates be clearly defined.
