‘Oseee NAPO!’ - Delegates rally behind Opoku Prempeh as calls grow for his retention

Opoku Prempeh waves at delegates at the 2026 National Delegates Conference Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh received a rousing reception from delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the party’s ongoing National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. The former Energy and Education Minister was seen fraternising with delegates together with former Transport Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, as the two moved around the conference grounds interacting with party members. Dr Opoku Prempeh used the opportunity to engage delegates and encourage them to remain committed, united and steadfast in their support for the NPP. The atmosphere reached another level when his name was announced to delegates. The announcement triggered loud cheers and chants from sections of the stadium, with some delegates openly calling for Dr Opoku Prempeh to be retained as running mate to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the 2028 presidential election. “Retain NAPO! NAPO, the next Vice President! No NAPO, no running mate!” the enthusiastic delegates chanted. Some delegates who spoke about Dr Opoku Prempeh’s presence argued that the party should maintain continuity rather than introduce a new running mate. They said political consistency was an important virtue, particularly for a candidate who had already served as Dr Bawumia’s running mate in the 2024 presidential election. Others pointed to what they described as Dr Opoku Prempeh’s experience, composure and understanding of the party as qualities they believe could be valuable in the NPP’s preparations for the 2028 election. They also cited his tenure as Minister of Education and his involvement in the implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, as well as his tenure as Energy Minister. According to some of the delegates, Dr Opoku Prempeh’s visibility and recognition across the country could also make it easier for the party to communicate its message to the electorate. “There is no need to change NAPO. He has experience, he understands the party and he has already worked with Dr Bawumia. Consistency is important in politics,” one delegate said. Another delegate described Dr Opoku Prempeh as a “household name” whose political visibility could complement Dr Bawumia’s efforts as the party prepares for the next general election. The excitement was palpable as delegates who appeared tired after hours of proceedings suddenly erupted into smiles and renewed chants of: “Oseee NAPO! Our next Vice President!” The reception has become one of the notable moments of the conference, with sections of delegates using the occasion to publicly express their support for the former Energy and Education Minister. Inside Ghana’s Abandoned Engineering Powerhouse: What Went Wrong? Source: GhanaWeb