In a rare and candid moment, former Energy Minister and running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has broken his silence on widespread commentary suggesting he contributed to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) loss in the 2024 general elections.
Addressing the claims during an interview at National Council meeting of the party at Alisa Hotel, NAPO responded with calm defiance to research reports and public sentiment that linked him to the party’s electoral defeat.
“I have a master’s in clinical research and I can go about punching holes in the research methodology and things like that,” he said. “But it doesn’t help the space. It doesn’t help the space.”
He acknowledged that diverse opinions existed within and outside the party about his influence, stating, “People are saying if NPP will win, they should not use NAPO. People have different opinions. I’m not going to give people oxygen to burn their fumes by commenting on everybody’s comment.”
With internal tensions rising within the party following their electoral loss, NAPO placed his loyalty to the NPP above personal ambition.
“If the committee says, okay, for us to win 2028, NAPO should not stand, I will not stand,” he asserted. “Because I prefer my party to win power than for me to cause the worst.”
Reflecting on the factionalism and public criticisms that have rocked the party, he urged unity and restraint.
“We have to know that the party is made up of different groups of people… their own personalities and inclinations,” he noted. “If we all decide to go out and muddy the waters, what will we drink?”
In a light-hearted jab, he even addressed the use of his persona in public satire.
“The person who is making money might say, hey, I’m making money so allow me to make my money,” he said, jokingly referencing Ghanaian comedian Alfonso, who has used his image for skits.
“He had a roof full and he was using me… I think he’s making money, so I’ll let my lawyers contact him so that we share this.”
Still, he acknowledged the value of being publicly talked about.
“In politics, I’ve heard somebody said there’s nothing like bad news… Your name has to be out there,” he laughed.
“So if your name is on the end of a batch of jokes refreshing people, your name will be in their minds.”
On reports suggesting internal opposition to his presence on future NPP tickets, he offered a sober take.
“Today is when the party is going to receive the report. And the party will act on the report, not on the comments people have made,” he explained.
“If you don’t want to obey what the report says, you don’t want to be a member of the party.”
Pressed on his political future, NAPO made it clear: “Me, personally? No, I’m not running in 2028,” emphasizing instead his desire to help build a united front behind the next flagbearer.
With a mix of humility, sarcasm, and pragmatism, NAPO left no doubt that while he may be under fire, he remains resolute in his commitment to the NPP’s future.
“I should be able to be in the field that I’ve decided to be in and stomach criticisms, stomach insults, stomach everything,” he said.
–BY Daniel Bampoe
