Why can't Bawumia pick his own running mate; NAPO was imposed on him as his running mate – Nyaho-Tamakloe reveals

Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a senior member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has claimed that the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was not given the freedom to choose his running mate for the upcoming elections in December.

This statement follows reports that Dr. Bawumia has named Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as his running mate. According to sources, a meeting was held on Tuesday night where Dr. Bawumia sought advice from President Akufo-Addo regarding his choice of running mate.

This decision has sparked intense debate within the party, with many questioning Dr. Opoku Prempeh's suitability for the role.

In an interview with 3FM on Thursday, June 27, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe alleged that Dr. Bawumia was forced to accept Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Energy Minister, as his running mate, despite concerns over the Energy Minister’s perceived arrogant demeanor.

He reiterated his earlier prediction that Dr. Bawumia would not be able to make his own decision regarding his running mate.

Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe questioned why Dr. Bawumia was not allowed to choose his running mate, unlike previous NPP leaders, including former President Akufo-Addo, who had the discretion to make their own selections.

“I know for a fact that he can't pick his own running mate and I mentioned this almost seven months ago for a simple reason.”

“Given Bawumia's position, he will find it difficult to pick his own running mate. Rawlings picked his own running mate; nobody would dare bring someone to him and say 'This one should go with you.' He fielded Ackaah, and when he failed, he changed him to another person. Kufuor picked his own running mate.”

“First round, second round, I was present. Not that someone told me. Atta Mills picked his own running mate, Mahama picked his own running mate. Akufo-Addo, scene one, picked his own running mate, scene two, picked his own running mate. Why can't Bawumia pick his own running mate?”