The King of Asante, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has given a brief history of the journey leading up to Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh well known as NAPO’s appointment as Dr Bawumia’s running mate.
Recounting the genesis of the former energy minister’s journey to the position of running mate, right from his involvement in decisions regarding the Manhyia- South Member of Parliament’s (MP) education and even the critical role he played in the minister’s decision to contest the seat after former Hon Kwame Addo Kuffour tenure came to an end in 2008.
“My son and grandson, his dad was my brother, as I ascended the throne he has become my grandson.
I birthed and nurtured him with his dad.
Even his fees I paid and he became a doctor then later went to Holland for furtherance of his studies.
He came back after his graduation that he was going back abroad to further his education then his dad was alive.
Then we all said won’t you come and give injection and take a break from your endless education journey? He then said he’s left with one more.
He returned and he stayed in Accra for sometime; that was when Kuffour was president.
He then came again to express his interest to join the race for the Manhyia South seat as the then MP Hon Kwame Addo Kuffour was stepping bowing out.
His dad directed him to seek my approval which I later gave; after he told me that was what he wanted….” Otumfuo recounted during the presentation of Dr Bawumia’s running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on July 9, 2024.
