"NPP has agreed for Bawumia’s running mate to come from Ashanti region" - First Deputy Speaker Osei-Owusu

 The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has joined calls for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's running mate in the 2024 election to be selected from the Ashanti Region. This follows intense jostling among some New Patriotic Party MPs over who will partner with the newly elected flag-bearer. 

Names floated so far include Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Energy Minister and Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu, and Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum. In an interview, Osei-Owusu confirmed the widespread agreement that Bawumia's running mate should hail from Ashanti, arguing it is key to the party's chances of winning in 2024.  

"It is generally agreed in the party that if Bawumia wins, his running mate should come from the Ashanti region," he said. Osei-Owusu believes the ideal candidate should have integrity and command respect in and outside the party to complement Bawumia. Though he says the current candidates meet the criteria, "they aren't the only group eligible to be nominated." 

Asked why he was ruling himself out despite being rumoured as a contender, Osei-Owusu said, "I think we should give Bawumia space to assess the options and make the best selection." Osei-Owusu reiterated, "I agree the person must come from Ashanti because it would give confidence that the party values the region's immense contribution."