5 Veep Finalists …One To Be Announced This April

Vice-President and flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, would pick and announce his choice of a running mate for the 2024 presidential elections from a shortlist of five names this April, The New Publisher has gathered.

The list of five comprises of two females and three males which includes an eleventh-hour entrant, Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku – a contender whose name has not topped the news headlines but certainly not a pushover.

The New Publisher is informed that the two females among the final 5 shortlisted names are 53-year old lawyer, Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey currently the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund and the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare who turns 77 in June this year. Frema is a former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency.

The three males on the list, in no particular order are the Minister for Energy and Member of Parliament for Manhyia North, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; the Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe Constituency and the new kid on the block, Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku an entrepreneur with 21 years of experience in the country’s energy sector.

 “The choice of a running mate is left to the flag-bearer and in making that choice he will consider a lot of factors including gender, origin, personality, in fact, a lot of things. when he has gotten a name or two, then he brings it to the party.

“There is always a pool of people but he hasn’t settled on anyone. I suspect that he will be coming out in April-May so there is still a bit of time”, Nana Akomea, the Communications Director for the Bawumia Campaign Team disclosed in February

The New Publisher has confirmed that the consultations have been concluded and in April, the name would be presented to the NPP’s Steering Committee and the National Executive Council (NEC) vested with the power to decide on the choice of the flag-bearer.

Below is a brief insight into the backgrounds of the respective shortlisted persons for the running mate slot.

Naa Torshie

Irene Naa Torshie Addo is a distinguished lawyer and seasoned politician. Holding a master’s degree in law and development from the University of Warwick, specializing in Gender and Development Studies, she boasts a strong foundation in law and governance.

She served as Deputy Ambassador to the Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC, USA, before assuming her current role as Member of Parliament for Tema West and subsequently the Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund.

Naa Torshie is an Evangelist and lay preacher. She has planted several churches and championed the pilgrimage of over 2000 Christians to Israel since 2010

She is committed to promoting gender equality, human rights, Youth and economic development, leveraging her expertise in real estate, trade, and investment law. In 2022, she was recognized for her exemplary leadership by listeners of Adom FM and adjudged the best CEO.

Hon. Irene Naa Torshie Addo envisions a future where Ghana continues to progress economically and socially, with a strong emphasis on empowering marginalized communities and promoting inclusive development. Her advocacy for gender equality and human rights reflects her commitment to building a more equitable and prosperous society for all Ghanaians.

Matthew Opoku Prempeh

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, born in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, is a renowned medical doctor and politician. Serving as the Minister for Energy and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South Constituency in the Ashanti Region, he has left a significant mark on Ghanaian politics.

Dr. Prempeh’s academic journey includes degrees from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and postgraduate studies in epidemiology and leadership at prestigious international institutions like Erasmus University and Harvard University.

Elected as MP in 2008, he later became Minister for Education, spearheading priority initiatives such as the Free Senior High School program to wide admiration even from his political opponents. His team also delivered on curriculum reforms, teacher reforms and several initiatives to promote and mainstream Technical, Vocational Training and Education (TVET), among others.

He has been recognized with awards such as the Best Minister in 2017 and 2019 and received an Honorary Doctorate Degree for his contributions to education. Dr. Prempeh’s leadership and dedication continue to shape Ghana’s educational and energy sectors, reflecting his commitment to national development.

Yaw Adutwum

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, born in Jachie, Ashanti Region, is a distinguished Ghanaian politician and educator. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Land Economy/Business Administration from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and pursued further studies, earning a master’s degree in education management from the University of La Verne, California, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Administration from the University of Southern California. As the founder of New Designs Charter Schools in Los Angeles, California, he revolutionized education, having served as a teacher at Manual Arts High School and founded the International Studies Academy.

In March 2017, President Nana Akufo-Addo appointed Dr. Adutwum as Deputy Minister for Education, later recognized as the Best Performing Deputy Minister of the Year in 2019. Currently Ghana’s Minister of Education and the Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe Constituency in the Ashanti Region, he is actively involved in parliamentary committee and educational stakeholder engagements to optimise the education sector and reduce poverty. Dr. Adutwum envisions a Ghana where every child, irrespective of background, has equal access to quality education.

He advocates for education reforms emphasizing STEM/STEAM education and 21st-century skills development, striving to transform Ghana’s socio-economic landscape as Minister of Education.

Frema Osei-Opare

Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, a distinguished development practitioner, academic, and seasoned Ghanaian politician, boasts over 40 years of experience in these realms. As the first female Chief of Staff of Ghana and former Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, she has left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape.

Born in Wiamoase, a town in the Sekyere South district of the Ashanti Region, Frema pursued her education at St. Monica’s Secondary School and the University of Ghana, earning a bachelor’s degree in Home Science before obtaining a master’s degree in food science from the University of Guelph. Her career includes lecturing at the University of Ghana, serving as Deputy Minister for Manpower, Youth, and Employment, and collaborating with the United Nations on vital projects. Recognised for her contributions, she received an honorary Doctorate Degree in Science from Valley View University.

A devoted Christian and mother of four, Frema balances her personal and professional life seamlessly. Her vision for Ghana encompasses effective leadership, inclusive policies, and sustainable development, particularly focusing on youth empowerment and social equity.

Kwadwo Poku

Mr Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku is a seasoned entrepreneur and energy expert with over two decades of experience in Ghana’s energy sector. He has held leadership roles such as Country Director for GASOP OIL (GHANA) LIMITED and Board Director for companies, including Pan African Capital Ghana Limited and FIFC Management and Development Limited. Mr.

Nsafoah Poku prioritizes youth skills development, aiming at empowering the younger generation for transformative change in Ghana. His focus includes tackling youth unemployment and promoting research, particularly in energy and herbal medicine. A committed member of the New Patriotic Party since 2016, he actively engages in party activities, especially in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency.

Mr. Nsafoah Poku’s accomplishments include successful negotiations with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and key positions within GASOP OIL.

He also served as Special Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, where he played a vital role in developing the Tourism Management Information System (TMIS) and designing the Ministry’s first website, showcasing Ghana’s tourist sites. His vision is centered on revitalising the economy and fostering inclusive growth, underpinned by a commitment to youth empowerment and economic reform.