Ghana’s Vice-President, representing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has chosen the current energy minister as his running mate for the upcoming December presidential election.
Mahamudu Bawumia despite controversies surrounding corruption allegations selected Mathew Opoku Prempeh, 56, who previously served as education minister from 2017 to 2020, overseeing President Akufo-Addo’s contentious free senior high school policy, which critics argue faced implementation challenges. President Nana Akufo-Addo is set to step down in January 2025, having completed the constitutionally mandated two terms. Historically, ruling parties in Ghana have been favored in presidential races, though none has secured more than two consecutive terms.
Bawumia, a 61-year-old economist and former central banker, secured the NPP candidacy last November, setting the stage for a showdown with former President John Dramani Mahama, who seeks to return to office.
Both Mahama and Bawumia hail from northern Ghana, predominantly Muslim and less economically developed compared to the southern regions of the country.
The decision to appoint Prempeh amidst corruption allegations regional political experts said reflects the contentious nature of Ghana’s upcoming presidential election, promising a closely watched race as the country prepares for its political transition.
