Bawumia’s Running Mate: Adutwum Camp Fires Back at Okatakyie Afrifa Over Napo Endorsement

A group supporting former Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has strongly criticised broadcast journalist and media commentator Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah over his endorsement of former Energy Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, as the preferred running mate to New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

The group, known as Friends of Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, described the journalist’s position as hypocritical and self-serving, questioning his credibility and moral authority to influence discussions surrounding the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate.

According to the group, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah has repeatedly criticised Dr Bawumia on various media platforms, allegedly questioning his leadership abilities, competence and political appeal.

It argued that the journalist’s previous criticisms of the NPP flagbearer undermine his credibility in recommending a running mate who would complement and strengthen Dr Bawumia’s presidential bid.

The group maintained that Dr Adutwum remains the most suitable candidate for the position, pointing to his experience in public service, appeal among young people, contribution to educational reforms and potential to improve the party’s electoral prospects.

It further argued that the former Education Minister has the intellectual capacity, nationwide appeal and unifying qualities needed to consolidate support within the NPP while attracting undecided voters ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Friends of Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum also questioned Dr Opoku Prempeh’s suitability for the position, citing what it described as shortcomings in his performance while occupying key ministerial portfolios.

The group contended that his time in government was characterised by controversies and policy challenges that attracted public criticism, arguing that his performance did not deliver the level of transformation many Ghanaians had anticipated.

It said Dr Bawumia needed a running mate capable of inspiring public confidence, appealing to floating voters and projecting competence, innovation and humility, insisting that Dr Adutwum possesses these qualities.

The group consequently appealed to NPP delegates, party supporters and influential stakeholders to prioritise competence, electoral appeal and national acceptability when considering potential running mates rather than allowing media endorsements to shape the process.

Spokesperson for the group, Kwasi Antwi, maintained that the selection of Dr Bawumia’s running mate should be based on the candidate’s ability to improve the party’s chances of winning the 2028 elections rather than the personal interests and political calculations of media personalities.

He emphasised that the decision should reflect merit, proven performance and electoral strength, maintaining that Dr Adutwum stands out among the potential candidates being considered for the position.

Source: https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Friends-of-Osei-Adutwum-descend-on-Okatakyie-Afrifa-Mensah-over-endorsement-of-Napo-2060360

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