Abirem MP opens up on claims NAPO was forced on Bawumia as 2024 NPP running mate

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

The allegation was made by Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a former member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who suggested that Dr. Bawumia was not allowed to independently make the choice.

“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.

But in an interview on JoyPrime TV on Friday, June 20, Ambassador Owiredu dismissed the claim, arguing that Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe is not involved in the NPP’s current internal processes.

“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 expressed his unwavering support for Dr. Bawumia, stating that he would stand by him regardless of his running mate choice in 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.

The NPP is scheduled to elect its next flagbearer on January 31, 2026, ahead of the 2028 general elections.