Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North constituency in the Ashanti region has expressed his displeasure over the alleged choice of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, as the running mate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the December 7 general elections.  

Information gathered by Peacefmonline.com on June 25, revealed that, the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, had presented Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the minister of Energy and incumbent Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, to the President, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, as his choicest for the running mate slot.

This has generated conversations among the political players.

However, Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Andy Appiah-Kubi opined that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is not his preferred choice of running mate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

According to the lawmaker, although Dr. Opoku Prempeh may qualify to be vice president of Ghana, he [Andy Appiah-Kubi] won’t choose him.

There have been several names popping up as possible running mates for the NPP flag bearer. Top of the list is the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum; Chief of Staff, Hon. Frema Opare, Hon. Naa Torshie, amongst others.

However, the highlight has always been on the former Education Minister and the incumbent Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

Dr.  Bawumia is expected to present his choice to the National Executive Council of the NPP for the final decision to be taken, followed by an official announcement and outdooring of candidate.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Appiah-Kubi said Dr Opoku Prempeh lacks what he (Appiah-Kubi) looks out for in a running mate for the NPP’s flag bearer.

Andy Appiah Kubi said, “We have not been consulted as a caucus for us to state our position, but me Appiah-Kubi, if it was for me to choose, I won’t choose him. Because he is not my preference . . . I would want somebody who will be open to the people on the ground, who will be able to deliver the votes, somebody who will submit to the presidency and who will also bring parliament closer to the executive.”

He further noted, “We should find somebody who if the presidential candidate is not there, he will hold the hand of a member of parliament and go and campaign in that member’s constituency . . . he cannot hold my hand so why should I prefer him?”