Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice-Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), recently expressed strong criticism towards the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority Caucus for their actions in Parliament on October 22, 2024. He specifically labeled their behavior as “unruly,” following an incident where NDC Members of Parliament (MPs) occupied seats designated for the Majority. Prempeh argued that this move was a deliberate provocation aimed at inciting conflict within the legislative chamber. He articulated the belief that Parliament must serve as a platform for intellectual discourse rather than physical confrontations, underscoring the commitment of the NPP to maintaining peace and stability in the country.
In his remarks, Dr. Prempeh emphasized the distinction between how the NPP conducts itself and the actions of the NDC. By refusing to engage in any form of violence or disorderly conduct during the parliament scuffle, he expressed pride in the discipline and maturity of his party members. He criticized the expectation from the NDC for a physical altercation, stating that the NPP sees Parliament as a forum for serious debates. He also reflected on his nearly 16 years of experience in Parliament, urging his political opponents to concentrate on their legislative duties and fulfill their obligations to their constituents, rather than participating in what he denounced as “reprehensible” conduct unbecoming of elected representatives.
Dr. Prempeh made these statements during a Stakeholders Engagement event on October 24, 2024, where he addressed students at the Pantang Nursing and Midwifery Training College. This event was one of the stops in his campaign tour across the Greater Accra Region. He took the opportunity to communicate the achievements of the NPP administration, particularly in the healthcare sector. Among the highlights was the government’s Agenda 111 project aimed at building new hospitals, which he believes would significantly enhance healthcare delivery in Ghana.
Additionally, Prempeh pointed out the reinstatement of nursing trainee allowances, a move he asserted was crucial for supporting nursing students and professionals. He listed this reinstatement as a corrective measure against the prior NDC government’s decision to cancel these allowances, indicating a clear difference in priorities between the two parties. He urged the students to trust the NPP and expressed confidence that, if re-elected, the party would continue to make positive changes in the health sector, fostering a better environment for nursing professionals.
The core of Dr. Prempeh’s commentary rests on the contrast between the NPP’s principles of order and etiquette in governance, and what he perceives as the NDC’s inclination toward disorderly behavior. He firmly believes that nurturing an atmosphere for intellectual debates is vital for the functioning of Parliament and, by extension, for a healthy democracy. His insistence on prioritizing peace and stability as paramount qualities of the NPP reinforces the party’s messaging as they head into the political campaigns leading up to the elections.
As the political environment intensifies in Ghana, Dr. Prempeh’s remarks not only underscore his commitment to upholding parliamentary decorum but also serve as a rallying cry for NPP supporters to reflect on the party’s accomplishments in governance, especially in sectors that influence the daily lives of Ghanaians, such as healthcare. By positioning the NPP as the party of progress and stability, he aims to win the trust of voters, especially among younger demographics who are likely to seek assurance of continued support and development within the healthcare system.
