Verdict: False! Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has not made such a statement. An advanced Google image search by DUBAWA shows no credible media outlet has reported on this claim. Furthermore, Media General’s TV3 Network, whose logo appeared on the fact card, has publicly debunked the circulating image as fake.
Enokay’s post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), included a laughing emoji and has garnered significant engagement, with over 108,000 views, 116 comments, 290 retweets, 3,400 likes, and some bookmarks as of Nov. 24, 2024.
Furthermore, popular Ghanaian broadcaster Kevin Taylor shared the same fact card with over 60,000 followers. With a caption as simple as “ok,” Mr Taylor attained over 26,000 views with 70 retweets as of Nov. 24, 2024, at 02:17 p.m.
Meanwhile, the fact card carried the logo of Media General’s TV3 Network and a background image of Napo, which gave it a stamp of credibility.
Several X users shared reactions on the X digital platform on Nov. 24 after chancing on the flyer:
X user, Big Homi Flee, @Homibwoy1, reacted by saying,
“Dem Dey throw jabs at each other. Chale Mahama win am already.”
Another user, Blaugrana, @blaugrana1803, wrote: “NPP will get their worst-ever election defeat on Dec 7. Bookmark this.”
I’m Success (@CFCsayuti) also commented: “NAPO can actually say this. That man is sensible when he’s quiet.”
Lastly, NKOJ, @nanaossei_, remarked,
“He’s basically confirmed that he’s the running mate ONLY because he’s from Ashanti Region. And it’s obvious to any sensible person that had it been based on intelligence, he certainly wouldn’t be the one to partner @MBawumia.”
Interestingly, DUBAWA also spotted the fact card circulating on WhatsApp statuses, spreading misinformation. Given its potential to mislead voters as the election nears, DUBAWA decided to investigate.
Verification
DUBAWA’s investigation revealed that Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh had not made the alleged statement during his campaign tours or in any other context.
A Google keyword and image search showed no reports by reputable media outlets confirming the claim.
Additionally, Media General, owners of TV3 Network, issued a public disclaimer shortly after Enokay’s post, stating:
“This artwork currently circulating is FAKE and was not created by Media General. Please don’t share or engage with it.”
Meanwhile, some pro-NPP platforms debunked the fact card by splashing ‘Fake’ tags over it. Some of them can be seen here, here and here.
Conclusion
Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s claim that Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia cannot secure 50% of votes in the Ashanti Region without him is false. The fact card is a fabrication, as Media General’s disclaimer confirmed.
