Private legal practitioner, Martin Luther Kpebu, has said the apology rendered by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, regarding his denigrating comments about Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is fake.
He says there is no sign of remorsefulness in the apology, expressing his disbelief with the New Patriotic Party for settling on the man also known as Nana Poku (NAPO), as running mate to its flag bearer.
According to Mr. Kpebu, he is surprised the NPP confirmed NAPO as running mate despite the assurance from its former General Secretary, John Boadu, that NAPO was no more on the list of those being considered for the portfolio.
Martin Kpebu was commenting on the apology letter issued by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, following his comments about Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s founder and first President, which many deem insulting.
“John Boadu at a point came to tell us NAPO was no more in the race for Vice President. So I’m shocked that they went round and came back with the same candidate. We’ll beat him well in December at the poll then they will get the message because such arrogance…, he is not remorseful.
“Anybody who tells you that he is remorseful is misleading you. That apology is fake. It’s not coming from a contrite heart,” Martin Kpebu said Saturday, July 13, 2024, on the KeyPoints on TV3.
The Manhyia South lawmaker, during his unveiling at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi Tuesday, July 09, 2024, indicated that none can be compared to President Akufo-Addo in terms of achievements, including Dr. Nkrumah, a comment he made in a tonation many have described as disrespectful and smacks of arrogance.
“I can boldly say that if the history of Ghana is told from 1957, we have never had a president that has helped Ghana more than Nana Akufo-Addo. I mean from 1957, even including your Kwame Nkrumah, none of them has protected Ghana and developed the country more than Nana Akufo-Addo,” said Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as Nana Poku (NAPO).
He stressed that, “President Akufo-Addo has developed this country to the admiration of all. Therefore, we will not allow what happened in 2008 to repeat itself. It will be most appropriate for Nana Akufo-Addo to hand over to his junior brother, Dr Bawumia.”
Although he was rebuked for the comments, he stood by his words and repeated same a day after. He received further criticisms until he issued an apology which many still deem insulting.
He said “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,” portions of the statement he issued Friday, July 12, 2024, read.
“I note the concerns raised after my statement. I apologise sincerely and regret any discomfort caused,” it added.
Martin Kpebu shares when he realised NAPO will not be fit for Vice President
