Dr Prempeh calls for issue-based campaign - Urges politicians to refrain from religious, tribal politics

The running mate to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has urged politicians to refrain from campaigning along religious and tribal lines. 

Speaking at a community engagement in Ahenkro in the Afigya Kwabre North Constituency in the Ashanti Region last Friday, Dr Prempeh, who is affectionately called NAPO, emphasised that Ghanaians had historically elected leaders based on competence, track record, and vision, not religious or tribal affiliation.

"Since independence, Ghanaians have demonstrated that they do not discriminate when it comes to the choice of leaders. Religious and tribal affiliations have never been a consideration for electing presidents in Ghana. Being a Christian or Muslim; a Mamprusi, Gonja or Asante really and truly, does not matter," he said.

His call comes on the back of recent pronouncements by some religious and political actors in the country seeking to make religion a cardinal issue in this year’s campaign season. Some have even gone to the extent of suggesting that a Christian should be voted for as Ghana’s next President, because overwhelming majority of Ghanaians are Christians.

Dr Prempeh, therefore, stressed the need for issue-based campaigns and unity in the country’s political landscape.

He said his call for politicians to focus on competence over tribal and religious affiliations was aligned with the NPP's vision for a unified country to promote inclusivity and development, as seen in its 2024 manifesto.

Integrity

Dr Prempeh expressed confidence that Ghanaians would vote massively for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, due to his competence, proven track record, and integrity.

 "I am convinced that the good people of Ghana will vote massively for Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to be the next President of Ghana because he is competent and has a proven track record and integrity," he said.

Achievements

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Afigya Kwabre North and Deputy Minister of Energy, Collins Adomako Mensah, highlighted the NPP government's achievements in energy, education, health, and infrastructure development.

That, he said, justified the need for Ghanaians to vote for Dr Bawumia and all the party’s parliamentary candidates.

He praised Dr Prempeh's outstanding leadership qualities and hard work, describing him as an excellent political godfather.

Dr Prempeh later inaugurated a newly constructed Sports Complex at Ahenkro, followed by an inaugural football match between the Old Stars team, led by a former Captain of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah, and the Afigya Kwabre North 11, which ended 3-1 in favour of the Old Stars.