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NPP Youth Leader Calls for Re-Nomination of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as Bawumia’s Running Mate
Sarfo Raphael Patrick says continuity,loyalty,experience and party unity should guide Bawumia’s choice as the NPP prepares for the next general election
By Justice Baffour Awuah/DailyWatchGH.com
A former Ashanti Regional Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP),Sarfo Raphael Patrick (Raph),has made a passionate appeal to the party’s flagbearer,Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,to consider retaining Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as his Running Mate for the next general election.
According to him,the continued uncertainty surrounding the Running Mate position has the potential to create unnecessary tension within the party at a time when the NPP needs unity,cohesion and a strong sense of purpose ahead of the next electoral contest.
In a statement addressed to the NPP leadership,Sarfo Raphael Patrick described his appeal as a “humble call” for the timely re-nomination of Dr.Opoku Prempeh,arguing that continuity could offer the party a strategic advantage as it prepares to return to government.
‘There is wisdom in continuity’
Mr. Patrick said with the NPP’s internal elections largely completed,attention should now be focused on consolidating the party and preparing a united campaign capable of winning the next general election.
He argued that Dr. Bawumia should seriously consider maintaining Dr. Opoku Prempeh,popularly known as NAPO, rather than allowing internal lobbying and competing interests to undermine a political partnership that has already been established.
“There is wisdom in continuity,” he stressed, arguing that a presidential ticket that has previously contested an election together can benefit from familiarity,experience and an established working relationship.
According to him, retaining the same ticket could strengthen the bond between the two leaders while giving party supporters and the electorate a clear and familiar team to rally behind.
Experience and grassroots connection
Mr. Patrick further highlighted what he described as Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s political experience, maturity, loyalty and strong connection with the NPP grassroots.
He said Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s understanding of the political dynamics of the Ashanti Region, coupled with his national political experience,makes him an important component of Dr. Bawumia’s potential ticket.
He maintained that the decision should not simply be based on tradition but on what offers the NPP the best opportunity to build a formidable and united campaign ahead of the next election.
“This is not about denying anyone an opportunity. It is about asking ourselves a simple question: What gives the NPP the strongest and most united ticket going into the next election?” he stated.
‘A tested political partnership’
Mr. Patrick believes that Dr. Bawumia and Dr. Opoku Prempeh have already established a political partnership that could be further strengthened through continuity.
He described the relationship between the two as a tested political partnership built on trust, loyalty,shared vision and a common commitment to the NPP,adding that their previous campaign experience has given them an understanding of each other’s strengths and responsibilities.
He therefore questioned why some individuals seeking the Running Mate position would advocate for a change when the appointing authority had previously considered the same individual suitable for the role.
He suggested that rather than allowing internal competition to create divisions, the party should focus on strengthening structures and relationships that can contribute to its electoral prospects.
Appeal to Bawumia and NPP leadership
Mr. Patrick consequently appealed to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the NPP leadership to give serious consideration to the re-nomination of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as Running Mate.
He said the decision, if taken, could help promote stability and reassure the party’s grassroots at a time when unity is particularly important.
He emphasised that continuity should not be interpreted as an attempt to deny other qualified party members an opportunity, but rather as a strategic consideration aimed at strengthening the party’s chances in the next electoral contest.
“Continuity. Experience. Loyalty.Unity.
Stability,”
he said,summarising the qualities he believes should underpin the decision.
“Sometimes,the best way to move forward is to continue with a team that has already started the journey together,” he added.
The statement was copied to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh,NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, and Odeneho Kwaku Appiah.
Sarfo Raphael Patrick (Raph)
Former Ashanti Regional Youth Organiser,NPP
0244860930
