At the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) manifesto launch on August 18, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the party’s running mate, shared a memorable piece of advice he received from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2011.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh, often called NAPO, recounted a late-night meeting with President Akufo-Addo at a prominent hotel in Bolgatanga. The conversation, which took place around 2 a.m., was described as significantly impacting him.
During the meeting, President Akufo-Addo expressed his concern for the party’s future stability and leadership. He told Dr. Prempeh, “I can only leave the party to one of three people.” Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh were among those considered for future leadership.
Reflecting on the advice, Dr Prempeh highlighted the President’s intention to ensure a smooth transition and sustained success for the party. “President Akufo-Addo aimed to ensure that when we get into government, we succeed. He trusted that leadership would be in capable hands,” Dr. Prempeh said.
He noted that the advice was given while the NPP was preparing for the 2012 elections, which they ultimately lost to the NDC. Despite the setback, Dr. Prempeh emphasized the importance of the President’s guidance in shaping the party’s future.
Dr. Prempeh also praised President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, describing it as a model of competent governance. He stated, “He is our second presidential candidate, offering eight years of competent leadership. Dr. Bawumia and I are carrying forward the legacy of that leadership.”
In his address, Dr. Prempeh reaffirmed the party’s commitment to upholding President Akufo-Addo’s principles and vision, emphasizing its role in continuing the party’s legacy of effective governance.
