Running mate of the governing New Patriotic Party(NPP) Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has rendered an apology over his comment against Ghana’s first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh popularly known as NAPO has come under heavy criticism following his claim that the incumbent President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has outperformed all previous presidents, including Ghana’s first president after independence, Kwame Nkrumah.
NAPO praised President Akuo-Addo’s contributions to Ghana’s development, drawing a comparison to the transformational leadership of Kwame Nkrumah.
He highlighted various projects initiated under Nana Addo’s administration, including the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy and infrastructural developments, suggesting that these achievements echo the pioneering spirit of Nkrumah’s era.
He disclosed that in the history of Ghana since 1957, no president has helped Ghana more than Nana Addo, even including the first President Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, who fought for the independence of Ghana.
Speaking at his official unveiling event at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi on July 9, 2024, Dr Opoku Prempeh said: Since independence in 1957, no president has helped Ghana as much as Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. From 1957 to now, not even your Kwame Nkrumah has moved Ghana forward and protected it like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Following the intense backlash, Dr. Opoku Prempeh who is the immediate-past Minister for Energy in a statement said he did not mean to denigrate former President Nkrumah or any other President.
He said his statement reflects his personal opinion about President Akufo-Addo’s impact relative to other Presidents we have had.
The Manhyia South MP acknowledged the concerns his statement has generated and consequently apologized.
“I wish to emphasize that I never meant to disrespect our former President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, or any of our former heads of state, including my own grand uncle and mentor, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor.
“I note the concerns raised after my statement. I apologise sincerely and regret any discomfort caused.”
Source: Kasapafmonline.com
