NPP running mate: Kwesi Pratt 'shoots down' NAPO

Seasoned journalist Kwesi Pratt has shared varying opinions on the choice of Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, as the Vice Presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is said to have been selected by Dr. Bawumia to partner with him but awaits approval from the National Council of the party before a public announcement can be made.

The party will hold a National Council meeting on Thursday, July 4, 2024, to deliberate on the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as "NAPO."

Nonetheless, the Majority in Parliament has approved him, as revealed by their leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

"Yes, the leader of our party and flagbearer met with the leadership of Parliament and had an extensive engagement with us regarding the way forward for the party going into the 2024 elections.

The conclusion was that our respected colleague, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is his choice for Running Mate. And that is normally the practice, and out of respect, the caucus would have to be informed and engaged about the decision."

"Afterward, I proceeded and engaged the caucus, and so far, the feedback has been positive. The generality of the caucus members is in support of his choice. What it is, is that for it to become official or confirmed, there's going to be a National Council meeting," Hon. Afenyo-Markin reportedly told the media.

This notwithstanding, Kwesi Pratt has shared his reservations about whether or not Dr. Opoku Prempeh is the right candidate for the position.

Making his submissions on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Mr. Pratt was of the view that NAPO is not a strong candidate to partner with Dr. Bawumia, stressing that if he had the authority to choose the Running Mate, NAPO wouldn't be his ultimate choice.

"If I were the one choosing, I probably would choose a different person, but I don't have the authority," the Editor-in-Chief of the Insight newspaper told host Kwami Sefa Kayi.