NAPO is a discredited running mate – Benjamin Quashie

Benjamin Kofi Quashie, Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) South Africa Council of Elders, has raised several concerns about Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s past controversies and negative attributes.

He has questioned the suitability of Opoku Prempeh commonly referred to as NAPO for the running mate position.

In an interview after the official confirmation of NAPO as Dr Bawumia’s running mate, Mr Quashie reflected on NAPO’s tenure as the Minister of Education, a period marked by widespread criticism and frequent clashes with teacher unions and stakeholders.

“All these were due to his confrontational leadership style. His approach created a hostile working environment, leading to strikes and disruptions that negatively impacted the education system,” he said.

Mr Quashie expressed concern over allegations of financial mismanagement during NAPO’s time as the Minister of Education.

He pointed to the procurement of educational materials, such as mathematical sets and past question papers, at inflated prices. This, he said, raises doubts about NAPO’s financial prudence, especially if he becomes the chairman of the Economic Management Team in the future.

Mr Quashie also criticised the implementation of some controversial policies during NAPO’s tenure, which he claimed were poorly executed.

He cited the introduction of the double-track system in Senior High Schools (SHSs) as an example. He argued that the policy was implemented hastily, without proper structures in place, leading to a decline in the quality of education.

Reflecting on Napo’s past statements, Mr Quashie recalled comments by the Energy Minister suggesting that he would organise a demonstration in the Ashanti region against his own government if the budgetary allocation is made to cater for the devastating tidal wave situation in Keta in the Volta Region.

“How is he going to campaign in the Volta region after this tribalistic outburst? The vice president is supposed to act as the father of the nation in the absence of the President, so how can this person be trusted as a father for all? I really shudder for my people in the Volta region and other parts of the country,” Mr. Quashie said.

Mr Quashie joined critics in pointing out Napo’s failure to acknowledge the recent power crisis, referring to concerned Ghanaians as evils and suggesting people draw their own “dumsor” timetable.

He also highlighted the controversial introduction of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) into the basic education curriculum as one of the running mate’s major pitfalls.

“NAPO’s tenure in various capacities has been marked by several controversies that question his suitability for the vice-presidential position. His association with the “dumsor” timetable, the incident involving students defecating in polythene bags, the budgetary issues related to the Keta tidal wave disaster, and the introduction of a pro-LGBTQ curriculum in basic schools have collectively painted a picture of a leader struggling to address critical issues effectively and empathetically.

“These negative attributes and incidents contribute to the narrative that Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is a discredited person who lacks the necessary qualities and judgment required for the high office of vice president,” Mr Quashie asserted.

 

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