Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has firmly refuted former President John Dramani Mahama’s recent claim regarding the establishment of a new region for the Bawku community. In remarks made to an audience of diverse stakeholders, including religious leaders, Zongo chiefs, educators, and students in Ashanti Mampong, he characterized Mahama’s promise as misleading and insincere. Dr. Opoku Prempeh, who is commonly referred to as “Napo,” criticized Mahama for his lack of action during his presidency, particularly regarding the creation of regions in northern Ghana, which he implied was a failure of leadership, especially given Mahama’s own roots in the area.
During his address, Dr. Opoku Prempeh questioned the former president’s commitment to genuine national progress, suggesting that Mahama’s latest pledge was merely a tactic for manipulating public sentiment for political gains. He framed the discourse around his party’s achievements, pointing to the successful establishment of two new regions and the restoration of peace in the Dagbon traditional area under President Akufo-Addo’s administration as evidence of NPP’s dedication to serving the needs of Ghanaians. This was offered as a stark contrast to Mahama’s tenure, where Opoku Prempeh argues that the north saw little development.
In urging the electorate in Mampong to support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Opoku Prempeh expressed confidence in a positive electoral outcome. He lauded Bawumia for his leadership and vision, underscoring the importance of decisive voting to ensure continued progress for the region and the country. He reiterated his belief that Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the incumbent MP, should also be re-elected to sustain his impactful work in Parliament. The calls for unity and commitment to the NPP’s vision were central to his message, hoping to galvanize voter support.
The gathering also showcased commendations from educators regarding the NPP’s Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative, which Dr. Opoku Prempeh argued has reduced financial burdens for families and facilitated improved educational access. Mr. Joseph Acqaah, the Acting Chairman of the Ashanti Mampong Coalition of Concerned Teachers, highlighted the positive effects of the Teacher Professionalisation policy, which includes crucial components like Teacher Licensure and Continuous Professional Development. Such support for dedicated educational reforms was presented as evidence of the NPP’s focus on vital social services.
Napo expressed heartfelt gratitude to his father, the Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, acknowledging his guidance and blessings throughout his political journey. This personal touch was reflective of the cultural values of respect and address in Ghanaian society, particularly within the political arena. Such familial and community ties were framed as integral to the candidate’s ambition to serve the people, suggesting that community support would play a significant role in electoral success.
Meanwhile, MP Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong took the opportunity to counter allegations from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), condemning their divisive campaigning tactics that he claimed exploit religious lines. He posited that Muslims and Christians in the region have maintained peaceful coexistence for many years, advocating for a united front regardless of religious beliefs. This emphasis on unity, particularly in the political landscape, was intended to reassure constituents of the NPP’s commitment to inclusivity and effective governance, irrespective of the diverse societal makeup of Ghana. Together, these messages illustrate the NPP’s strategy of positioning itself as a party of development against the backdrop of the opposition’s perceived failures.
