Professor of political science at the University of Cape Coast Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere has voiced concerns over the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) choice of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to be Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia‘s running mate in the general elections scheduled for December 7.
Dr. Otchere expressed disapproval of Dr. Prempeh’s temperament, saying it is inappropriate for the role, particularly in light of the party’s current financial difficulties.
“The NPP’s running mate should be someone with a sober reflection and well-mannered to appeal to voters, particularly as the party aims to break the eight-year political jinx,” he said.
His handling of the dumsor timeline issue, he claimed, demonstrated Dr. Prempeh’s unsuitability, labeling him as a “hothead.”
Dr. Otchere also called Dr. Prempeh a diversionist, pointing to his disagreements with Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako as additional evidence of his unfitness for the position.
On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Dr. Otchere responded to a report on Accra 100.5 FM regarding Vice President Bawumia’s appointment of Dr. Prempeh as President Akufo-Addo’s running mate. He emphasized the possible obstacles Dr. Prempeh would have when attempting to connect with Mr. Boasiako’s party supporters.
Concerning the difficulties in winning over the Christian community in light of the NPP flagbearer’s emphasis on a Christian-Muslim split, Dr. Otchere also expressed concerns.
With Dr. Prempeh as the running mate, he issued a warning that the party faces serious obstacles in the future.
