Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, widely known as NAPO, has clarified that his recent comments comparing President Nana Akufo-Addo to Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, were taken out of context.
NAPO, who was speaking during his inauguration as the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ticket for the 2024 presidential elections in Kumasi, praised Akufo-Addo’s contributions to the nation.
During his speech, NAPO stated, “Since Ghana gained independence in 1957, no president has developed the country as significantly as our current president, Nana Akufo-Addo, not even your Kwame Nkrumah.” This statement sparked widespread controversy, with many accusing him of arrogance and disrespect towards Dr. Nkrumah’s legacy.
Addressing the backlash, NAPO said that his comments were misunderstood and taken out of context. He emphasized that his intention was to highlight the developmental progress made under President Akufo-Addo’s administration, not to undermine Dr. Nkrumah’s historical contributions.
NAPO made this clarification during a visit to Tetretre Okuamoah Sekyim II, the Omanhene of the Wassa-Amenfi Traditional Area. He expressed his respect for Ghana’s founding leaders and his commitment to the nation’s progress.
This controversy arises as the NPP gears up for the 2024 elections, with NAPO and Dr. Bawumia at the forefront of their campaign. As the political landscape heats up, such statements are likely to stir significant public and political discourse.
For more updates on Ghana’s political scene, stay tuned to Khezbytegh.com.