NPP running mate saga: No external force can coerce Bawumia - Government spokesperson

Government spokesperson Kofi Tonto has disclosed that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has already made a decision on his running mate for the 2024 elections.

According to Kofi Tonto, Dr. Bawumia has already settled on the person who will partner with him for the upcoming elections and will announce the person in due time.

In an interview with Ohio-based Sky FM, Kofi Tonto rejected claims that Dr. Bawumia is under pressure to select a female as a running mate following John Mahama’s appointment of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.

He explained that Dr. Bawumia will select someone who will complement him and give him and the NPP the best possible chance of not just winning elections but governing the country.

Kofi Tonto explained that Dr. Bawumia will not bow to external pressure in the naming of his running mate as he has already made that decision.

"Bawumia is enjoined by the constitution of Ghana and the NPP to select a flagbearer. He is focused and determined to appoint someone who will help him deliver on the mandate Ghanaians will hand him.

"He has assessed his strengths and weaknesses and will select someone who will help him succeed in his work as president. What I can say for sure is that he is clear in his mind who he will appoint as running mate and will announce him at the right time.

"Nobody can force him to pick anyone; he's very clear in his mind. Bawumia will not be coerced by any force or forces," he said.

His statement comes amid reports that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has settled on Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as his partner for the polls.

The speculations indicate that Bawumia, after consultations with key persons within the party, has settled on Opoku Prempeh, who is also the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South.