The Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is widely preferred among party members to be the running mate to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, according to a survey by the National Investigation Bureau.

The survey engaged 5,116 NPP delegates nationwide, including national, regional, constituency, and polling station executives.

According to the study, Dr Opoku Prempeh secured 76.2% of the responses from executives polled.

Following him was the Minister of Education and MP for the Bosomtwe, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, who garnered 10.16%.

Other notable personalities the delegates consider 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.

With the 2024 general election barely six months away, Dr Bawumia faces the challenge of choosing among some bigwigs of the party.

Meanwhile, the survey reveals that there was a strong consensus that the running mate should be selected from the Ashanti Region.

According to the NIB report, the majority of respondents approximately 84%, believed that Mr Opoku Prempeh is the ideal running mate for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia due to his charisma and popularity among
party members

Nonetheless, in its recommendation, NIB warned the flagbearer to be cautious of selecting Dr Prempeh.

"Given Dr Prempeh’s current role as the Minister of Energy, the ongoing power crises in Ghana
could impact his candidacy. Therefore, the government may need to implement necessary
measures to solidify his competence in managing the energy sector, thereby enhancing the party’s
prospects in the 2024 general elections."