“NPP Diaspora Votes Could Have Boosted Napo’s Support to 90% – Danny Opoku Antwi”
The recent National Investigation Bureau (NIB) survey revealed that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Energy Minister, is the preferred choice for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate position, with 76.2% of the 5,116 delegates surveyed supporting him. However, according to Danny Opoku Antwi, Branch Youth Organizer for NPP-USA, Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s support would have been even higher if diaspora votes were included.
In a recent interview, Antwi estimated that Dr. Opoku Prempeh could have secured 85% to 90% of the vote if the diaspora votes were counted. “Given Dr. Prempeh’s widespread support, especially among our members abroad, I believe he could have secured 85% to 90% of the vote if the diaspora votes were counted,” Antwi said.
Antwi attributed Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s popularity to his grassroots support and his achievements as a lawmaker and minister. “It is clear that there is massive support for the Manhyia South lawmaker at the grassroots level, and that for me will solidify the party’s chances when he is chosen,” he said.
The survey also showed Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education and MP for Bosomtwe, trailing behind Dr. Opoku Prempeh with 10.16% of the votes. Other notable personalities considered for the role include Apostle Opoku Onyinah, former Chairman of the Pentecost Church-Ghana, and Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture and MP for Abetifi Constituency.
As the 2024 general election approaches, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, faces a critical decision in choosing a running mate from among the party’s bigwigs. Antwi believes that the survey’s results will help inform Dr. Bawumia’s decision and ultimately lead to the party’s victory. “I think the survey should also include the diaspora to help candidates make informed decisions,” he recommended.
The NPP’s quest to “break the 8” (win a third consecutive term in office) hinges on various factors, including the selection of a suitable running mate. With the diaspora community playing an increasingly important role in Ghanaian politics, their voices and opinions cannot be ignored. As the party navigates this critical decision, the NIB survey’s findings and Antwi’s call for diaspora inclusion serve as a reminder of the importance of grassroots support and representation in the decision-making process.
