Former Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), has called on Ghanaians to rise above partisan politics and collectively honour the enduring legacy of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Speaking at the 2026 NkrumahFest at Nkroful in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, Dr Opoku Prempeh said Nkrumah’s contribution to Ghana’s independence, nation-building and Pan-Africanism was too profound to be confined to the political identity of any one party.

He said he joined the people of Nzema, the Western Region, Ghana and the wider African community with “profound humility, deep respect and patriotic pride” to commemorate Nkrumah’s 117th birthday at his birthplace.

“Today, we gather not merely to recount history, but to commune with the spirit of Ghana’s first President, his monumental footprints that span generations,” he said.

According to Dr Opoku Prempeh, while Nkroful gave Ghana a son, Nkrumah’s influence extended far beyond the country’s borders, earning him recognition as a thinker, liberation icon and an important figure in Ghana’s nation-building history.

He acknowledged that Ghanaians could continue to hold divergent opinions about Nkrumah’s governance, economic policies and approach to national development.

However, he stressed that such disagreements should not diminish recognition of Nkrumah’s historical contribution to Ghana.

“We may disagree and will continue to disagree on the mechanics of governance, on economic policy, and on the pace and shape of development. That is the nature of democracy, and Ghana is stronger for it,” he said.

Dr Opoku Prempeh maintained that some historical figures occupy a place beyond the immediate divisions of partisan politics because of the foundational role they played in shaping the nation.

He therefore called on Ghanaians to recognise, respect and hold in high esteem Nkrumah’s contribution to placing Ghana firmly on the global map.

“All Ghanaians must fully recognise, respect, and hold in high esteem the monumental role Dr Kwame Nkrumah played in putting Ghana firmly on the global map,” he stated.

The former Energy Minister described Nkrumah’s vision as expansive and fiercely Pan-African, saying his legacy should be appreciated not only within the context of Ghana’s history but also as part of the wider story of African liberation and development.

“Nkrumah’s vision was expansive, visionary, and fiercely Pan-African,” he said.

He said the decision to hold NkrumahFest at Nkroful was therefore an important national undertaking that deserved support irrespective of political affiliation.

Dr Opoku Prempeh further argued that genuine patriotism required Ghanaians to look beyond narrow political interests and acknowledge the contributions of individuals who helped lay the foundations upon which the country’s present national identity has evolved.

Reflecting on Nkrumah’s 117th birthday anniversary, he urged Ghanaians to renew their commitment to selfless service, patriotism, national unity and national development.

“As we reflect on this 117th milestone, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals of selfless service, patriotism, and national unity and developmental progress,” he said.

Dr Opoku Prempeh also commended the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for convening the annual NkrumahFest and creating a platform for Ghanaians from different political backgrounds to celebrate Nkrumah’s legacy.

Describing Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah as a brother, colleague and friend, he said the initiative demonstrated how national values could be promoted from across political and professional divides.

He particularly welcomed the invitation extended to him as a leading member of the NPP to participate in an event organised under the auspices of a member of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to him, the gesture demonstrated that NkrumahFest was intended to serve a broader national purpose rather than a partisan political agenda.

“That an invitation was extended to me across the aisle of politics to stand on this platform today reminds us that this festival is not a partisan rally, but a national altar of celebration,” he said.

He urged Ghanaians to preserve that spirit of inclusiveness and use national commemorations such as NkrumahFest to foster unity while reflecting on the country’s history and future.