The running mate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 presidential election, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who is popularly known as "NAPO", has expressed gratitude to the party's flag bearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for nominating him for the position.

"I am deeply honoured today as the chosen running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). I am humbled to be nominated by our distinguished flag bearer, H.E. Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and endorsed unanimously by the National Council in accordance with the provisions of the NPP Constitution," he wrote in a statement hours after he was endorsed by the party's leadership as the running mate.

The National Council of the NPP on Thursday, July 4, 2024, unanimously approved the nomination of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, as the running mate to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 presidential election.

The General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, made the announcement after the party’s National Council had finished its emergency meeting.

Last week, it came out that Dr Bawumia met with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and disclosed to him that his choice was Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South in Kumasi.

On Monday, July 1, 2024, Dr Bawumia formally informed the national officers of the NPP of his nomination of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as his running mate.

A similar meeting also occurred between Dr Bawumia and the Majority caucus in Parliament.

Article 12 (b) of the NPP constitution states that the Party’s Presidential Candidate [flag bearer] shall, in consultation with the National Council, nominate the Vice Presidential Candidate [running mate], who shall be a known and active Member of at least five (5) years.

Dr Opoku-Prempeh in his statement dated July 4, 2024, pledged his readiness and commitment to work together with the flagbearer to realise his visionary agenda of propelling Ghana to greater heights. 

"I consider this nomination as a call to higher service, a call to sacrifice and a duty to perform. The NPP is enriched with numerous astute personalities; therefore, I recognise the significance of my selection and do not take it lightly," the NPP running mate stated, adding "I call upon all our members to join hands as we collectively strive to achieve our ambitious goal of transforming Ghana into a prosperous nation."

He also expressed his gratitude to the National Council, the rank-and-file of the party and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for their unwavering support and faith in him.

"I thank Mr. President again for the opportunity granted me to serve in two respected cabinet positions. I am forever grateful," Dr Opoku-Prempeh stated. 

Full Text of NAPO's statement

I am deeply honoured today as the chosen running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). I am humbled to be nominated by our distinguished flagbearer, H.E. Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and endorsed unanimously by the National Council In accordance with the provisions of the NPP Constitution. I am privileged and duty-bound to extend my full support to Dr. Bawumia as we work together to realise his visionary agenda of propelling Ghana to greater heights. 

I view this nomination as part of God's plan for my life, and I am grateful for His guidance in directing my path. I pray for His ongoing guidance as I move forward. I consider this nomination as a call to higher service, a call to sacrifice and a duty to perform. The NPP Is enriched with numerous astute personalities; therefore, I recognise the significance of my selection and do not take it lightly. I call upon all our members to join hands as we collectively strive to achieve our ambitious goal of transforming Ghana into a prosperous nation. 

I express my gratitude to the National Council, the rank-and-file of our party and our esteemed President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for their unwavering support and faith in me. I thank Mr. President again for the opportunity granted me to serve in two respected cabinet positions. I am forever grateful. I am equally grateful to my colleague Ministers of State members of Parliament for the confidence reposed in me. It has prepared me for a day like this, and I feel ready to make everyone who believes in me proud and win over the doubters. 

I understand that the task ahead requires our collective effort, and I, therefore, plead with every party member to come on board as we seek the mandate of our countrymen and women once again to serve them.

As I assume the role of running mate alongside my esteemed boss, H.E. Dr Bawumia, I am committed to supporting him to prosecute a formidable 2024 campaign to break the 8-year election cycle and serve our beloved country diligently. Let us work together towards a brighter future for Ghana. 

My philosophies remain service and leadership. May God bless our Homeland, Ghana Thank you.