Claim Napo was forced on Bawumia as 2024 NPP running mate false — Abirem MP

The Member of Parliament for Abirem and former Ghana High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Charles Owiredu, has dismissed claims that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was forced to select Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh (Napo) as his running mate for the 2024 general elections.

The claim was made by Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a former member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who alleged that certain individuals within the party would not allow Dr. Bawumia to freely choose his running mate.

“I know for a fact that he can’t pick his own running mate. I made mention of this almost seven months ago… Bawumia’s position, he will find it difficult to pick his own running mate,” Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe said in June 2024 on Accra-based 3FM, prior to the official announcement.

However, speaking on JoyPrime TV on Friday, June 20, Ambassador Owiredu dismissed the claim, asserting that Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe is no longer involved in the internal affairs of the party.

“He doesn’t attend National Executive Committee meetings. He doesn’t attend National Council meetings. So he doesn’t know the inner workings of the party,” he said.

Ambassador Owiredu also reaffirmed his full support for Dr. Bawumia, indicating that he would back him regardless of who he selects as running mate for the 2028 elections.

“My support for Dr. Bawumia is ironclad. I still want Dr. Bawumia as NPP flagbearer. And if in his wisdom, and that of the National Council, he nominates anyone — even if it is Napo — I will support that,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, the NPP has scheduled January 31, 2026, to elect a new flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.