As Ghana readies for the 2024 elections, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has unveiled a dynamic ticket featuring two esteemed doctor title holders. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate, has chosen Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as his running mate, marking a strategic move to combine technocratic expertise with political experience.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, currently serving as Ghana’s Vice President, is an economist and former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana. His selection as the NPP’s presidential candidate underscores his significant role in the administration’s economic policies over the past years. Known for his analytical prowess and data-driven approach, Dr Bawumia has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives to digitize Ghana’s economy and improve financial inclusion.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as Napo, complements Dr Bawumia’s economic expertise with his extensive background in education and health.
As the Minister for Education from 2017 to 2021, Matthew Opoku Prempeh implemented key reforms, including the Free Senior High School policy, which expanded access to secondary education across the country.
Currently serving as the Minister for Energy, he has played a crucial role in managing Ghana’s energy sector, striving for stability and sustainability.
The decision to pair Bawumia with Opoku Prempeh reflects the NPP’s strategic emphasis on competence and sectoral expertise. The ticket is seen as a blend of economic and social policy acumen, aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Ghana.
With both candidates holding doctorates and possessing substantial governmental experience, the NPP aims to project an image of intellectual rigour and effective governance.
Ghana’s 2024 elections are expected to be fiercely contested, with key issues including economic recovery post-COVID-19, education, health, and energy security taking center stage. The Bawumia-Opoku Prempeh ticket promises to tackle these challenges head-on, leveraging their combined expertise.
With a medical background, Matthew Opoku Prempeh brings a unique perspective to healthcare policy. The selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as Bawumia’s running mate is also seen as a strategic move to garner support from various constituencies.
Dr Opoku Prempeh’s popularity within the party and his track record in public service make him a formidable ally in the campaign. Additionally, his Ashanti roots could bolster the NPP’s appeal in one of its stronghold regions.
The public response to the NPP’s announcement has been mixed, reflecting the diverse perspectives of Ghanaian citizens.
Kwame Odoi Mensah, a teacher at Akporman M/A School, is optimistic about the ticket: “I think having two highly educated individuals with proven track records is exactly what Ghana needs. Dr Bawumia’s economic expertise and Napo’s reforms in education can bring real change.”
However, not all reactions have been positive. Freda Nyarko, a market trader in Abokobi, voiced her skepticism: “It’s all well and good to have qualifications, but we need leaders who understand the struggles of ordinary Ghanaians. I’m not sure if these two can connect with the everyday issues we face.”
Political analysts have also weighed in on the potential impact of the ticket. Political analyst and research fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, says “This is a bold move by the NPP. By presenting a ticket of technocrats, they are clearly aiming to attract voters who are looking for competence and expertise. However, they will need to ensure they can communicate their policies effectively to the general public.”
“Every presidential candidate selects their running mate, I believe, being guided by two key things; the political dividends that they believe the candidate can bring to their campaign and then also the governance dividends.”
“When you put everything together, the choice makes sense and I can also see that this is the choice that the vice president thinks is a choice that will help him make a case for a Bawumia presidency and if he wins, this is a choice that can help him govern,” Dr. Osae-Kwapong added.
As the NPP positions itself for the 2024 elections, the Bawumia-Opoku Prempeh ticket represents a fusion of intellectual capability and practical governance experience. The months ahead will reveal how this technocratic duo plans to address Ghana’s pressing issues and convince the electorate of their vision for the nation’s future.
