Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as Nana Poku (NAPO) the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has apologised for a comparison he made between Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and incumbent William Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The former Energy Minister says his “Your Nkrumah” comment was not meant to denigrate the Osagyefo or any of Ghana’s former Presidents.
His apology follows a backlash from a section of the public concerning a comment he made at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi Tuesday, July 09, 2024, when he was being unveiled as the running mate to the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
NAPO had indicated that there is none in Ghana’s history that can be compared to President Akufo-Addo, including the founder of the nation, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in terms of achievements.
“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,” he said.
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.”
The comments has sparked criticisms, especially regarding the body language and tonation with which it was made.
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.
In reaction to the criticism, NAPO, had in a statement issued Friday, July 12, 2024, 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 read.
“I note the concerns raised after my statement. I apologise sincerely and regret any discomfort caused,” it added.
This apology comes after he had defended the comments despite public condemnation.
He had earlier indicated that he stand by the comments and that it was Ghanaians that misinterpreted what he said.
“They have misinterpreted what I said. I said since 1957 from Kwame Nkrumah’s tenure to date, no government has worked more than Nana Akufo-Addo. In our politics, if you speak the truth, they say you are ungrateful, if you tell lies, you are praised. I am your child, you did not train me to be untruthful or a coward,” Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh said.
Find below the full apology statement:
