The race for the running mate to the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is nearing the finish line.
At the last check, the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Irene Naa Torshie Addo were leading the contest, out of the top five, The Chronicle has been told.
The other three possible choices, in no particular order, are Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku, an energy expert; the Chief of Staff, Akosua Fremah Osei-Opare and the Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, our source listed.
The contenders for this pivotal role represent a diverse array of backgrounds, talents and experiences, with each poised to make a significant impact on the political landscape.
With the potential to shape policies, engage with constituents and influence the direction of the country, these individuals are at the forefront of the national conversation.
It is obvious that NPP members seek individuals who have distinguished themselves and could contribute significantly to Dr. Bawumia’s electoral appeal.
Ghanaians, on the other hand, are likely to prioritise a vice presidential candidate committed to nation-building and dynamic, to support the president.
According to the information available to this paper, Dr. Bawumia is likely to announce the ultimate choice in April 2024.
CHIEF OF STAFF
Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, a distinguished development practitioner, academic and seasoned Ghanaian politician, boasts over 40 years of experience in these realms.
As the first female Chief of Staff of Ghana and a former Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, she has left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Born in Wiamoase, a town in the Sekyere South district of the Ashanti Region, Frema pursued her education at St. Monica’s Secondary School and the University of Ghana, earning a bachelor’s degree in home science before obtaining a master’s degree in food science from the University of Guelph.
Her vision for Ghana encompasses effective leadership, inclusive policies, and sustainable development, particularly focusing on youth empowerment and social equity.
ADUTWUM
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, born in Jachie, Ashanti Region is a distinguished Ghanaian politician and educator. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Land Economy/Business Administration from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and pursued further studies, earning a master’s degree in education management from the University of La Verne, California, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Administration from the University of Southern California.
As the founder of New Designs Charter Schools in Los Angeles, California, he revolutionized education, having served as a teacher at Manual Arts High School and founded the International Studies Academy.
Currently Ghana’s Minister of Education and the Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe Constituency in the Ashanti Region, he is actively involved in parliamentary committee and educational stakeholder engagements to optimise the education sector and reduce poverty.
Dr. Adutwum envisions a Ghana where every child, irrespective of background, has equal access to quality education.
KWADWO NSAFOAH
Mr. Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku is a seasoned entrepreneur and energy expert with over two decades of experience in Ghana’s energy sector.
He has held leadership roles such as Country Director for GASOP OIL (GHANA) LIMITED and Board Director for companies, including Pan African Capital Ghana Limited and FIFC Management and Development Limited. Mr. Nsafoah Poku prioritises youth skills development, aiming to empower the younger generation for transformative change in Ghana. His focus includes tackling youth unemployment and promoting research, particularly in energy and herbal medicine.
NAA TORSHIE
Born in Osu, Accra, Hon. Irene Naa Torshie Addo is a distinguished lawyer and seasoned politician. She holds a master’s degree in law and development from the University of Warwick, specialising in gender and development studies.
She served as Deputy Ambassador to the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, USA, before assuming her role as Member of Parliament for Tema West and subsequently the Administrator of the DACF.
Naa Torshie is an evangelist and lay preacher. She has planted several churches and championed the pilgrimage of over 2000 Christians to Israel since 2010.
She is committed to promoting gender equality, human rights, youth, and economic development, leveraging her expertise in real estate, trade, and investment law.
NAPO
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, born in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, is a renowned medical doctor and politician.
Serving as the Minister for Energy and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South Constituency in the Ashanti Region, he has left a significant mark on Ghanaian politics. Dr. Prempeh’s academic journey includes degrees from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and postgraduate studies in epidemiology and leadership at prestigious international institutions like Erasmus University and Harvard University.
Elected as MP in 2008, he later became Minister for Education, spearheading priority initiatives such as the Free Senior High School programme to wide admiration even from his political opponents.
His team also delivered on curriculum reforms, teacher reforms, and several initiatives to promote and mainstream technical and vocational training and education (TVET), among others.
DILEMMA
Dr. Bawumia’s dilemma would be to adequately balance complementary skills and experience, political compatibility, regional and demographic representation, campaigning and fundraising abilities, leadership qualities, electoral impacts, governance capabilities and team compatibility, among others.
