In a surprising twist, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo discovered that he was one of the last to know about Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, being chosen as the running mate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming elections. According to a new book by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, titled The President Ghana Never Got, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, knew about the decision two months before the president was officially informed.
The book reveals that Akufo-Addo was caught off guard when he learned about NAPO’s selection, not from his close advisers or political allies, but from an unexpected source. The shock wasn’t just because he didn’t know, but because the Asantehene had mentioned it to him during a conversation weeks before Dr. Bawumia formally announced his choice. Imagine the President’s surprise when he found out that such crucial information had traveled 250 kilometers to reach him from Kumasi instead of within his own circles in Accra.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, seems to have played a significant role in this political decision. According to Manasseh’s book, the Asantehene was aware of Bawumia’s choice and even discussed it with Akufo-Addo long before the president was supposed to know. This early knowledge on the part of the Asantehene indicates a deep connection and perhaps influence in the political maneuvers within the ruling party.
Dr. Bawumia’s decision to choose NAPO as his running mate wasn’t made lightly. Initially, Bawumia had other preferences, including Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, the former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost. However, political strategy won out. NAPO was selected largely due to his political clout and his strong ties to the Ashanti Region, a key area in Ghana’s political landscape.
Before making his choice, Bawumia consulted with former President John Agyekum Kufuor, indicating the importance of gathering support from influential figures in the party. Interestingly, the information about NAPO’s selection was more secure in the hands of the Asantehene than within the corridors of power in Accra, including the president’s own office and the state’s intelligence agency.
NAPO, though not without controversy, was seen as a strategic choice. Despite being perceived as arrogant by some, he met all the key political criteria, especially the vital requirement that the running mate should come from the Ashanti Region. This region is not only a stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) but also a crucial battleground in national elections. NAPO’s deep roots in the region made him a valuable asset to Bawumia’s campaign.
In contrast, President Akufo-Addo and his family had hoped for Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum to be the running mate. However, Bawumia’s decision ultimately hinged on political strategy and regional considerations rather than personal preferences.
This revelation sheds light on the intricate dynamics of power and influence within Ghana’s political elite. The fact that the Asantehene knew about the running mate selection before the president himself highlights the complex web of relationships and the flow of information within the country’s leadership.
It also underscores the significant role that traditional leaders like the Asantehene play in modern Ghanaian politics. Their influence extends beyond cultural and social spheres, reaching deep into the heart of political decision-making processes.
As the election season heats up, this behind-the-scenes look at how NAPO was chosen as Bawumia’s running mate adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama. The choice of running mate is always a critical decision, and in this case, it appears to have been influenced by a combination of political strategy, regional loyalty, and the subtle yet powerful influence of traditional leaders.
With NAPO now officially on the ticket, the focus will shift to how this decision impacts the campaign and, ultimately, the election results. Will NAPO’s selection strengthen Bawumia’s chances, or will the internal tensions revealed in Manasseh’s book play a role in the outcome? Only time will tell as Ghana’s political future unfolds in the coming months.
Source: Ghana Web
