A recent campaign slip by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) vice-presidential candidate, has ignited widespread discussion and mockery. In a viral video, NAPO mistakenly endorsed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, instead of the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Although NAPO quickly corrected his statement, the incident has become a talking point, particularly for the opposition NDC. John Dramani Mahama has used the slip to poke fun at the NPP, claiming the party is preoccupied with him.
NPP Spokesperson Responds
Fiifi Boafo, NAPO’s spokesperson, defended the incident during an interview with Starr FM. He explained that such slips are common during lengthy public speaking engagements and do not reflect NAPO’s actual intentions.
“Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is human; slips are part of human beings,” Boafo said. “At no point in time will Dr. Matthew prefer John Dramani Mahama to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He has consistently supported Dr. Bawumia as the better option for Ghana.”
Boafo added that NAPO’s frequent references to Mahama are intended to remind Ghanaians, especially young voters, of the former president’s track record.
Highlighting Mahama’s Past Governance
Boafo emphasized the need to inform voters, particularly those who were too young to recall Mahama’s time in office, about his administration’s challenges.
“Those who are 18 years old today were just 10 years old when Mahama left office,” Boafo noted. “They may not know about the prolonged power outages, fuel shortages, and the cancellation of teachers’ and nurses’ allowances during his tenure. These are important reminders as we approach the elections.”
Boafo dismissed any claims that NAPO’s slip was deliberate, reiterating that it was simply a mistake.
Mahama’s Reaction
In response, John Dramani Mahama mocked the NPP during a rally in Yilo Krobo, claiming the party is fixated on him.
“When the leaders of the NPP sleep, the person they dream about is John Mahama,” he joked.
Mahama also referenced past gaffes by other NPP leaders, including President Nana Akufo-Addo and Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi). He described the repeated slip-ups as evidence of the NPP’s focus on him as a political figure.
Conclusion
While the slip by NAPO may have sparked debate and provided fodder for political rivals, both parties are leveraging the moment to highlight their messages to voters. As the election season heats up, such incidents serve as reminders of the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding Ghana’s political landscape.
