'Name NAPO as Running Mate again, kickstart 2028 campaign' – Former Manhyia North MP appeals to Bawumia

Former Member of Parliament for Manhyia North, Collins Owusu Amankwah

Former Member of Parliament for Manhyia North, Collins Owusu Amankwah, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to officially confirm Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, as his running mate again for election 2028.

He believes an early announcement would enable the party to begin promoting the proposed ticket and intensify preparations for the 2028 general elections.

Speaking to reporters on Monday night, Mr Amankwah said the NPP’s attention must now move from its internal contests to nationwide mobilisation and campaigning, particularly as most of the party’s internal elections had been completed.

He argued that clarifying the choice of running mate would help the party present a united front to the electorate.

"We have successfully elected our flagbearer and stabilized the party’s grassroots structure, leaving only the national executive elections. We are virtually ready to hit the ground running," Hon. Amankwah stated.

He added that "the flagbearer now needs to finalize his choice of running mate so that as we step out into the field, we can confidently present a united ticket to the voters."

Delay could fuel internal divisions
The former legislator cautioned that continued uncertainty over the running mate could deepen divisions within the party, especially as various individuals seek to position themselves for the role.

Although he acknowledged that political ambitions were legitimate, he said prolonged lobbying and speculation could distract the NPP from its broader electoral objectives and undermine internal cohesion.

"I strongly appeal to Dr. Bawumia to confirm NAPO now so that right after our national elections, we can begin marketing the ticket to the electorate and demonstrate our readiness to govern," he added.

Call for reconciliation and grassroots mobilisation

Mr Amankwah also urged the party leadership to use the momentum from the internal elections to begin a comprehensive reconciliation and mobilisation exercise at the grassroots.

He called for renewed engagement with members who may have become dissatisfied or alienated during previous polling station, constituency and regional elections.

"Our party must capitalize on this momentum, oil the political machine at the grassroots, and reconcile every dissatisfied member as we build a formidable campaign," Hon. Amankwah concluded.