Dr. Richard Amoako Baah, a former head of the Political Science Department at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has accused the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, for obstructing the party from selecting a vice presidential candidate.
He has indicted Chairman Wontumi for allegedly kicking against the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) decision to name Energy Minister, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh as the running mate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The New Patriotic Party’s Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has requested an extension of time to consult on his selection of a running mate ahead of the 2024 election.
This was announced by the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, at a press conference in Accra Wednesday, December 6, 2023, after a crucial meeting by the National Executive Committee and the National Council of Elders.
The meeting was in alignment with the party’s constitutional requirement for the flag bearer to select a running mate 12 months before a major election if the President is not the candidate.
Meanwhile, the Manhyia South lawmaker is touted to be the best nominee to partner Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as he has received vast endorsement by polling stations, constituency executives, and the tertiary wing executives.
Dr. Baah Amoako, who was speaking on Pae Muka show on Onua FM/TV Thursday, January 04, 2024, hinted that Chairman Wontumi is tautly opposing the NEC to nominate Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh to be the NPP’s vice presidential candidate.
“Bawumia says he needs more time and the party has given him more time to name his running mate which I can’t tell whether he is done settling on somebody. But at the same time when Napo’s (Nana Poku, Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s alias) name was mentioned, Chairman Wontumi said he would not agree,” he stated.
When asked to substantiate the allegations, the former NPP National Chairman aspirant was quick to tell the host that “it is only Chairman Wuntumi who could explain why he is opposing the selection of Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh.”
He expressed worry over the situation and wondered how the party could win the elections to break the 8.