Mr Opare Ansah (left) with Vice-President Bawumia during a tour in the North
Frederick Opare Ansah, a former Member of Parliament for Suhum, and former strong ally of John Alan Kyerematen, Trade and Industry Minister, has left the camp of the Trade Minister at a time Mr Kyerematen is lacing his boot to contest the flagbearer position of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mr Opare Ansah has also declared support for Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also eyeing the flag of the NPP.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr Opare Ansah noted that he has “seen first-hand the assurance the Vice-President gives the populace and believes it is a commendable action for a Vice President to take.”
‘It is time to stop some NPP members’ attempts to defame the Vice President in the name of racial strife. He is a man who has served as the party’s running mate in a number of elections, and his efforts have helped us win two significant elections. Those who are doing this should stop because he is a diligent man and has not sought to disparage any of his potential contenders,” he said.
Tour
Mr Opare-Ansah was recently seen in the company of the Vice-President during a working tour of the Northern Region. Explaining why he joined the tour, the experienced former Suhum legislator said it was an opportunity for the Vice-President to highlight events happening in the country hence the decision to join him.
He rejected claims that the vice-president was using the opportunity to launch his presidential candidate campaign.
“The Vice President wasn’t starting an election campaign; instead, he was on a working tour as part of the excellent work he has been doing, especially given the situation we are in. Some of these travels are motivated by his steadfast support for the President and specifically focus on inspecting government infrastructure projects, and it is clear from the projects he looked at (i.e., Agenda 111 and other MMDAs sanctioned infrastructure projects).” Opare Ansah clarified.
Support
When asked if he supports the Vice President’s bid, he responded that while he was aware that the Vice President had not yet declared any such intention, he was prepared to do so on the Vice President’s behalf if he [Dr Bawumia] becomes reluctant to do so when the time comes.
He acknowledged that, despite him being known as a staunch supporter of Mr Alan Kyerematen, he is now firmly aligned with Bawumia’s camp because the grassroots want Dr. Bawumia to lead adding that he has learnt from his past experiences.
