Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 election, has expressed regret for drawing comparisons between the accomplishments of current President Akufo-Addo and those of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
He clarified that he did not intend to disparage Dr. Nkrumah or any of the nation’s previous leaders of state with his remarks on Tuesday.
He has apologised after receiving backlash from some Ghanaians who said that President Akufo-Addo has fared better than any of his predecessors since Ghana gained independence, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Napo said this at his unveiling as the NPP running mate for the Presidential Candidate on Tuesday.
Persons including the Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah who is MP for the Ellembelle constituency, where Nkroful—the birthplace of Dr Nkrumah—is located, and leaders of the Conventional People’s Party (CPP) have condemned Napo for his statement and demanded an apology and retraction.
Napo issued a statement on Friday, July 12, in response to the public protest. The statement expressed Napo’s personal perspective of President Akufo-Addo’s influence in comparison to previous presidents.
A portion of the statement said, “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.”
He continued, “I note the concerns raised after my statement. I apologise sincerely and regret any discomfort caused.”
This apology comes after he had defended the comments despite public condemnation.
Read the full statement below:
