NAPO apologizes for controversial 'Your Nkrumah' remark
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued an apology today following his recent statement assessing the performances of Presidents.
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The statement, which compared President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s performance to that of other former heads of state, sparked heated discussions across the nation.
Dr. Prempeh in a statement issued today (July 12, 2024) clarified that his remarks were purely his personal opinion and not an official stance of the NPP.
He said he never intended to disrespect Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, or any other former leader.
"I wish to emphasise 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," the statement said.
"I note the concerns raised after my statement. I apologise sincerely and regret any discomfort caused".
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Regret and apology
Recognizing the discomfort caused by his words, Dr. Prempeh expressed sincere regret and apologized to Ghanaians.
He also acknowledged the legacy of past leaders, including his mentor, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor.
The controversy continues to unfold, with citizens expressing mixed reactions to Dr. Prempeh’s statement and subsequent apology.
Doubling-down
His comments come two days after he doubled-down his assertion that no President since independence had surpassed the achievements of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
While visiting Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, the Omanhene of Wasa Amenfi Traditional Area at Wassa Akropong in the Western North Region on Wednesday (July 10, 2024), NAPO defended his comments.
He dismissed allegations of arrogance, stating that he simply speaks the truth.
For us politicians, we do our politics every four years. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, you have supported him to do what he can do in Ghana. Even when I said it, they have taken it wrongly. I say ever since independence, from 1957, from Kwame Nkrumah till today, no government has worked harder than Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NAPO said.
He added, But the politics we do, when you speak the truth, they say you are disrespectful. When you lie then you are praised. I am your child, I am your grandson. You did not raise me with lies.
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Background
There has been a public reaction with some expressing discontent following the remark by NAPO on Tuesday at a rally to unveil him as the running mate to the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in Kumasi.
He had compared President Akufo-Addo's tenure to Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
For NAPO, no president in the history of Ghana has helped to develop the country more than President Akufo-Addo has done.
NAPO praised President Akuo-Addo's contributions to Ghana's development, drawing a comparison to the transformational leadership of Kwame Nkrumah.
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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.
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.
He added that in the history of Ghana since 1957, no president has helped Ghana more than Nana Addo, even including the first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Read NAPO's entire statement below;
I DID NOT MEAN TO DENIGRATE FORMER PRESIDENT, DR KWAME NKRUMAH OR ANY OTHER PRESIDENT
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My statement last Tuesday, 9th July, in Kumasi on the performance of President Akufo-Addo has elicited varied reactions.
The statement reflects my personal opinion about President Akufo-Addo's impact relative to other Presidents we have had.
I wish to emphasise 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.
Thank you.
DR MATTHEW OPOKU PREMPEH
RUNNING MATE TO THE NPP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
JULY 12, 2024
SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP
