Questions have emerged over the conspicuous absence of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), during the concession speech delivered by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

This comes after the party acknowledged its loss in the December 7 general election to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

Dr. Bawumia delivered his concession speech at his official residence in Cantonments, Accra, surrounded by key party officials, including National Chairman Stephen Ntim, General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, Campaign Advisor Frederick Opare Ansah, Sammy Awuku, Cheif Executive Officer of National Lottery Authority(NLA) Anthony Karbo, former Deputy Transport Minister, Samira Bawumia, wife of Dr Bawumia and Kofi Agyepong, the CEO of the National Youth Employment Agency.

However, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as “Napo,” was notably absent, fuelling speculation about his whereabouts.

Reports suggest that Dr. Opoku Prempeh expressed reservations about the decision to concede defeat as early election results trickled in.

His absence at the Vice President's residence has led political analysts to question whether internal disagreements influenced his decision not to attend.

The Vice Presidential Candidate's close pal and failed presidential aspirant Kennedy Agyeplong was also not present at the event 

Although Ghana's Electoral Commission (EC) has not officially announced the winner of the elections, Dr. Bawumia, the NPP's flagbearer, conceded defeat to John Dramani Mahama in a press conference on Sunday, December 8, 2024.

“I have just called His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to congratulate him as President-elect of the Republic of Ghana,” Dr. Bawumia disclosed.

He acknowledged the NDC’s decisive lead in the polls, stating, “The people of Ghana have spoken; the people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”

Dr. Bawumia emphasised that his early concession was a deliberate effort to maintain peace and avoid escalating tensions.

“My concession speech ahead of the EC’s official announcement is to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of our country,” he explained.

Dr. Bawumia also confirmed that the NDC had secured a commanding victory in both the presidential and parliamentary elections, despite final collation still ongoing.

“Former President Mahama and the NDC have won the presidential election decisively, while the NDC has also won the parliamentary election, although they are still waiting for the final collation,” he noted.

He added, “I believe those results will not change the whole outcome.”

As the nation awaits the EC’s official declaration, the absence of Dr. Opoku Prempeh at the pivotal moment has sparked discussions within political circles.

While some attribute it to potential disagreements within the party, others see it as a personal choice.