The running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), recently made remarks comparing President Akufo-Addo’s achievements to those of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
These remarks have drawn criticism, particularly from the Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako.
Appearing on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’ Mr Kweku Baako criticized NAPO’s comparison as irrelevant and an unnecessary distraction.
Kweku Baako emphasized that while it is acceptable to highlight NPP projects and achievements under President Akufo-Addo, drawing comparisons to historical figures like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah only serves as a distraction during an election period.
“Let me be brutally frank, the comparison Napo made had no relevance. It was a needless distraction. It’s so unnecessary, completely irrelevant and needless. what is at stake right now is an election…as the running mate being outdoored; you can exalt NPP projects; President Akufo Addo’s projects, you’re entitled to that but don’t drag in another figure. Needless distraction; you don’t provide armour for your opponents or neutrals; needless and it lacks relevance…I’m disappointed” he lamented
During his unveiling in Kumasi, NAPO stated that no President, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, has significantly contributed to Ghana’s development as President Akufo-Addo has.
He stated, “Since independence from 1957 till today, we’ve not had any president that has helped Ghana like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. I say from 1957 till today, you can bring your Kwame Nkrumah… no president who has protected Ghana and moved the country forward like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,”
Reacting to these comments James Kwabena Bomfeh, also known as Kabila, stated that NAPO statements were uncalled for, emphasizing the importance of respecting Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy and achievements in Ghana’s history.
“He goofed big time…He should not have made that statement, simply because he wouldn’t have had time to explain to the audience what he meant by the statement that Akufo Addo’s achievements surpass that of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. I believe that what added salt to injury was his comment of “your Kwame Nkrumah” which sends a wrong signal to the persona and the great achievements of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.”
“I want him to know and understand that, we don’t undermine Kwame Nkrumah. Admittedly, Kwame Nkrumah wasn’t a perfect human being, but he led Ghana to gain our Freedom, thereby making Ghana the first Country in sub-Sahara Africa to gain independence from colonial rulers. Beyond his great works, he has also penned down lots of articles and books more than any other President in the history of Ghana, intellectually contributing to the development of the minds of Ghanaians and the world at large, especially among the black race and the suffering people around the world” he stated.