7 key things Otumfuo said when NAPO was presented to him as Bawumia’s running mate

The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) officially introduced Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as its running mate for the 2024 presidential election on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

As part of the event held in the party’s stronghold of the Ashanti Region, a special courtesy call was made on Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to officially announce Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who is also a royal from the Manhyia Palace.

In welcoming the news of his kinsman’s selection as running mate, the Asantehene addressed the crowd of sub-chiefs, party leaders, and faithful gathered at the Palace for the event.

He began his address by expressing gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for having confidence in NAPO and appointing him as a key member of his government while also acknowledging the party’s flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the leadership of the NPP for the honour.

NAPO’s story told by Otumfuo

Born to Ohenenana Kwame Kyeretwie and Madam Elizabeth Akosua Nyarko, NAPO, a grandson of the 14th Asantehene Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh II, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempehhas had his connection with Manhyia feature prominently in his political career.

On Tuesday, the Asantehene narrated Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh‘s story from his early days growing up under his guidance, his journey into medical school, and later his political career, including the role he (Otumfuo) played in paying for his school fees.

“His father and I birthed him and nurtured him. His school fees interested me, and I paid them through his medical education,” Otumfuo noted.

Otumfuo mentioned that he was always consulted and contributed to NAPO’s career, from his rise as a member of parliament to becoming the education minister in President Akufo-Addo’s first-term government and now the energy minister in the president’s second term.

Advice indoors

The Asantehene emphasized that he had already counselled his kin indoors on the journey ahead but further reemphasized his advice to the running mate.

The advice to Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh included the need to submit to the direction and authority of the flagbearer with humility and to also ensure that he does not give Dr. Bawumia a reason to regret his choice.

“Don’t let Dr. Bawumia regret choosing you as his running mate. Serve well and do what he tells you. This is the advice I gave you indoors. Be humble in your service. Listen to him because what he will teach you is the best,” he said in Twi.

Otumfuo defends NAPO against claims of arrogance

Public scrutiny of NAPO’s persona following his nomination has led to allegations of arrogance being made against the NPP running mate.

In his address, Otumfuo expressed his views on the claims against the Manhyia South MP.

He underscored that even though he believes NAPO is not arrogant, he should ensure that what people say about him does not become true.

“I heard that some people have been saying that you are arrogant, but when I was raising you, I didn’t see anything like that. Why are people saying this today? I would defend you against what they are saying, but don’t let it be true,” the Asantehene said.

Entrusting Bawumia

Otumfuo turned to the flagbearer, highlighting he had entrusted NAPO into his care.

“Tell Dr. Bawumia that I have entrusted him (NAPO) in his care. If any fault arises, inform me so I can reprimand him privately.”

Special appreciation to Wontumi

Amidst speculations of NAPO becoming the NPP running mate, there were reports of a rift between the energy minister and the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi.

However, a meeting led by the flagbearer is said to have resolved the rift between the two.

In his address, the Asantehene singled out Wontumi for appreciation and implored him to “Extend my gratitude to the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Wontumi, for sticking with him throughout,” Otumfuo said.

Campaign

He charged the party to go forth and sell its campaign to the people of Ghana. He added that the electorate would decide by weighing the messages of all the parties.

“Go and tell your own, tell it well to the understanding of Ghanaians while other parties also go about their own and let Ghanaians weigh the truth and make the right choice,” he said.

Parting proverb

While noting the restriction on traditional leaders’ engagement in active politics, the Asantehene left the delegation and the gathering with a parting proverb.

“What I have to add is that the law stipulates that traditional leaders are not to meddle in politics, but there is a saying that ‘being barred from refusing to speak to your rival does not prevent you from rolling your eyes at them,” Otumfuo said.

He added that prayers will be said to support the quest of the running mate.