Chief of Staff Madam Frema Osei Opare has reportedly started surreptitious lobby for consideration as Vice Presidential nominee of the New Patriotic Party using all means necessary.
The first female Chief of Staff who is backing the Mahamudu Bawumia Campaign is hoping to be strongly considered as Number 2 should Dr. Bawumia be elected by delegates on November 4th 2023.
The Chief of Staff is said to have met some key interest groups with say on the matter to make case of herself and has reportedly initiated underground activities to clinch the slot when due.
Critics of the Chief of Staff say it is time she retired with Akufo-Addo and “stay out of the game”. They say she is the reason the Akufo-Addo government is facing challenges as she has been the “most ineffective Chief of Staff since 1992”.
Her supporters however point to her background from the Ashanti Region and ability to raise funds to support Bawumia’s bid.
This has pitted the Chief of Staff against other key contenders for the running mate slot including Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communication and Mathew Opoku Prempeh whose name a proposed VP has gained wider say.
Others include Joe Osei Owusu MP for Bekwai as well as well as Isaac Osei.
Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu who was said to be interested has moved his focus to the Speaker of Parliament instead of the running mate slot.
Frema Osei Opare who hails from Wiamoase in the Ashanti Region of Ghana comes from a powerful political family.
She attended St. Monica’s Secondary School, Mampong- Ashanti. She had her bachelor’s degree in Home Science from the University of Ghana. She proceeded to University of Guelph for a master’s degree in Food Science. Frema lectured at the University of Ghana as a lecturer at the Department of Home Science from 1976 to 1982 rising to become the Head of department. She has also worked with the United Nations in the Women In Fisheries project in various capacities in Uganda, Ethiopia, Congo and Namibia. Frema in 2005 – 2008 worked under the government of President John Agyekum Kufuor as the Deputy Minister for Manpower, Youth and Employment. She also once served a two term office as the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency between 2005 and 2013 under the ticket of the NPP.
