Napo’s choice is the most important pick of our time

Those who know His Excellency Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia very well confirm that one of the things he will not compromise on is competence. This is hardly surprising for people who have the appetite for delivery, results and transformation. His bid for the NPP flagbearership was thus welcomed by all genuine party lovers and Ghanaians across the board.

With the highly competitive primaries over, the task quickly changed to looking for somebody with the right chemistry to constitute the winning team. Whilst many competent names made it to the shopping list, the decision came down to one who met the convergence criteria of three essential factors— competence, integrity and being a consummate elephant.

Nobody would expect anything less from a running mate billed to partner the most visible and results-driven Veep— now Presidential candidate — ever to have graced the political landscape of the country. The lot fell on the charismatic Mathew Nana Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo.

Napo comes to the NPP Presidential ticket with all that is needed for both party and country. This is the most important running mate choice of our time. The incoming Vice President has an outstanding public service life spanning two important and sensitive ministries. His records at the Ministry of Education are outstanding.

I need not remind readers that he was in the cockpit when the Nana Addo/Bawumia government audaciously embarked on the biggest ever social intervention in Africa—The Free SHS programme. Amidst doubts, pessimism and even outright sabotage by naysayers, Napo stayed the course and ensured that millions of Ghanaian children got what is deservingly due them. He doesn’t like to blow his trumpet, but if there was ever any glory that somebody should loudly boast about, it is the life-changing Free SHS Programme.

Remember even John Mahama and his NDC are shamelessly and desperately trying to own the intervention. But it will be grossly unfair to assess his tenure at the Ministry of Education solely on FSHS. He championed and led many innovations particularly in STEM, TVET and teacher motivation. That he did even more at the energy ministry goes to confirm his level of competence and commitment to serving his country. One cannot attempt to catalogue his achievement. In place of that I say, the incoming Veep understands the job of government and appreciates the needs of the country.

In politics, competence and integrity count as much as interpersonal relationships. Those who see the incoming Veep from afar often mistake assertiveness and frankness for arrogance. Those who get close to him or objectively assess his demeanour and conduct see a very frank, honest and empathetic personality.
He is not used to giving in on lies and convenience even if that comes at a cost.

It came therefore as no surprise that all those who have worked under him in both the public and private sectors have gained momentum owing to his selflessness and the handholding support he gave them. His deputy at the Education Ministry, Hon Dr Adutwum, was given free hands to operate and flourish.

Dr Adutwum has since taken over from his former boss and is continuing on the same trajectory of excellence and transformation. There are so many others who have benefitted from the extraordinary mentorship prowess and generosity of Hon Opoku Prempeh including his spokesman at the Ministry of Energy who is now an MP, and was recently made a Deputy Minister.

These are the very things that define leadership; These are the things required to galvanise action; and these are the traits that bring momentum to a Presidential ticket in an election with high stakes.

In many democracies, identity politics is one of the determinants of electoral success. Political parties often study the nuances of certain demographics and the permutations of geography to maximise support. Given the array of personalities on the tickets of the two major political parties, Napo ticks the important box about youth and diversity, creating space for the infusion of youthful energy into what is already a pro-youth ticket and campaign.

But that is not all. Napo is an Ashanti royal , with massive support from the proverbial World Bank of the NPP. This choice is a strategic one for several reasons; coming from the Ashanti Region is significant; being a royal counts, and commanding massive support and widespread appeal is the holy grail for the NPP.

The choice of Napo was therefore a matter of cause, and it comes as no surprise to many political watchers. A competent incoming President will settle on a competent incoming Veep, increasing the real likelihood of electoral glory. The pair, I have no doubt, will transform Ghana.

This is my way of saying formal congratulations to His Excellency, Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh, incoming Veep of the Republic of Ghana. It is Possible.!