Napo Under Fire as Adutwum’s Supporters Launch Scathing Attack on Okatakyie Afrifa

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

The group described the journalist’s position as hypocritical, self-serving and lacking credibility, questioning his suitability to influence discussions surrounding the selection of the party’s vice-presidential candidate.

According to the group, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah has previously used various media platforms to criticise Dr Bawumia, allegedly questioning his leadership abilities and describing him as an empty leader.

It argued that the journalist’s previous comments against the NPP flagbearer undermine his credibility in recommending a running mate to partner him in the party’s electoral campaign.

The Friends of Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum maintained that the former Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe is better positioned to serve as Dr Bawumia’s running mate, pointing to his record in public service, appeal among young people and contribution to educational reforms.

The group also highlighted Dr Adutwum’s intellectual capacity, national recognition and ability to unite different sections of the population, arguing that his selection could strengthen the NPP’s support base and attract undecided voters ahead of the next general election.

It also questioned Dr Opoku Prempeh’s suitability for the position, claiming that his performance in key ministerial roles fell short of public expectations.

According to the group, his time in some of government’s most influential ministries was characterised by controversies and policy challenges that attracted public criticism, rather than the significant transformation many Ghanaians had expected.

The group argued that Dr Bawumia needs a running mate capable of building public confidence, appealing to floating voters and projecting competence, innovation and humility, qualities it believes Dr Adutwum possesses.

It subsequently appealed to NPP delegates, party supporters and influential stakeholders to prioritise merit, electoral strength and nationwide appeal when considering potential running mates, rather than allowing media endorsements and campaigns to influence their decisions.

Spokesperson for the group, Kwasi Antwi, maintained that the selection process should be guided by the candidate’s ability to improve the party’s chances of winning the 2028 general election, rather than the personal interests and political calculations of media personalities.

He further cautioned against turning the running mate selection process into a contest driven by propaganda and individual preferences, insisting that the party must place greater emphasis on competence, performance and electoral appeal.

The group reaffirmed its position that Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum remains the strongest candidate to partner Dr Bawumia as the NPP prepares for the 2028 elections.

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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