Former Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, has publicly thrown his support behind former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as the most capable, prepared and winnable candidate to lead Ghana.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on GHOne TV, Dr Opoku-Prempeh said his endorsement of Dr Bawumia is based on competence, experience and a proven record of service within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), rather than personal interest or political gain.
“Of all the candidates, the one who stands tallest, the most prepared and most winnable is Dr Bawumia. I have supported him long before he contested, and my backing is not motivated by personal ambition but by his capabilities,” he stated.
Addressing criticisms and comparisons surrounding the party’s leadership contest, Dr Opoku-Prempeh urged political actors to uphold integrity and remain consistent with their values. He observed that some civil society figures who were once vocal critics of government policies have since accepted positions in governance, cautioning against opportunism in public discourse.
The former minister also mounted a strong defence of the record of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, pointing to flagship initiatives such as the Free Senior High School programme and Ghana’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of visionary leadership. He expressed confidence that history would ultimately vindicate the policies and decisions of the Akufo-Addo administration.
Dr Opoku-Prempeh further clarified that his support for Dr Bawumia is not tied to any expectation of future political appointment should the former vice president become the party’s flagbearer.
“Those who compete for leadership must be evaluated on merit, experience and capability. Dr Bawumia meets all these criteria, and I believe he is the best candidate to lead our party and Ghana in the future,” he added.
Dr Bawumia is currently seeking the NPP’s presidential nomination ahead of the 2028 general elections, with the party expected to elect its flagbearer in January.