Former Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, 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 so significant that his legacy should be respected across the political divide.
He said it was with “profound humility, deep respect and patriotic pride” that he joined the people of Nzema, the Western Region, Ghana and the African continent 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 him, while Nkroful gave Ghana a son, Nkrumah’s impact extended far beyond Ghana, earning him recognition as a thinker, liberation icon and an important figure in the country’s nation-building history.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh acknowledged that Ghanaians may continue to hold different views about Nkrumah’s governance, economic policies and approach to national development.
However, he argued 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.
He 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 on the global map.
“All Ghanaians must fully recognize, respect, and hold in high esteem the monumental role Dr. Kwame Nkrumah played in putting Ghana firmly on the global map,” he stated.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh described Nkrumah’s vision as expansive and strongly Pan-African, saying his legacy should be celebrated not only as part of Ghana’s history but also within the broader story of African liberation and development.
He said holding the NkrumahFest at Nkroful was therefore an important national undertaking that should command support irrespective of political affiliation.
“Nkrumah’s vision was expansive, visionary, and fiercely Pan-African,” he said.
He added that genuine patriotism required Ghanaians to look beyond partisan interests and acknowledge the contributions of those who laid the foundations upon which the country’s present national identity and democratic system have evolved.
Reflecting on Nkrumah’s 117th birthday anniversary, Dr. Opoku Prempeh urged Ghanaians to renew their commitment to selfless service, patriotism, national unity and development.
He said the lessons from Nkrumah’s life should inspire contemporary leaders and citizens to place the national interest above narrow political considerations.
“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, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for convening the annual NkrumahFest and creating a platform for Ghanaians from different political backgrounds to celebrate Nkrumah’s legacy.
He described Armah-Kofi Buah as a brother, colleague and friend and said the initiative demonstrated how individuals could promote national values from their respective political and professional positions.
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 the 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 the NkrumahFest to strengthen unity while reflecting on the country’s history and future.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
