Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, the running mate of NPP’s flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has come under heavy criticism on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) following a recent political remark that many deemed disrespectful to a deceased former president.
During the official launch of the Ashanti Regional NPP Campaign Working Committees and Women’s Conference in Kumasi, Dr. Prempeh acknowledged the contributions of past Ghanaian presidents, including the late Dr. Hilla Limann, Jerry John Rawlings, and John Agyekum Kufuor.
However, his reference to the late President John Evans Atta-Mills sparked outrage. Speaking in the Akan dialect, NAPO remarked, “Baako na owu ye no,” which translates to “the one who even died.”
This comment quickly drew backlash from netizens, who condemned the former Energy Minister for what they perceived as a lack of respect.
One user wrote, “This guy doesn’t know how to talk at all. He doesn’t even appear pleasing to neutrals. Very bad public communication skills.” Another added, “He does not respect himself, so how can he show respect to Ghanaians… It’s impossible… Because of this man’s behavior, the NPP has failed in advance…”
A particularly pointed criticism read, “Those asking how it is insulting—if someone describes President Kufuor as ‘baako na ɔte wheel chair mu,’ how will it sound? Why do we defend any rubbish all in the name of political affiliation?”
This is not the first time Dr. Opoku Prempeh has faced criticism for his remarks.
During his introduction in Kumasi on July 9, NAPO claimed that President Akufo-Addo had outperformed Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, which also led to widespread criticism. While some disagreed with the comparison itself, others took issue with the way it was presented.
Following the backlash, NAPO publicly apologized for his statements, though the chiefs of Nkroful, Dr. Nkrumah’s birthplace, insisted on a personal apology before accepting it. During a visit to the Nzema area, NAPO made a stop in Nkroful to personally apologize for his earlier remarks.
“I lived with Nzema people when I was growing up. Nzema people and I are one people. I will never disrespect Nkrumah in any way. Anybody who attempts to disrespect Nkrumah will face the consequences of his actions. Nkrumah has done so much for the country. I was misconstrued, but I apologized to Ghanaians, and I stand here before you to apologize for my comments again. Forgive me, we’re all one people,” he stated.
In response, the chief of Nkroful, Nana Kwasi Kutua, accepted the apology, stating, “NAPO’s comments received wide condemnation from Ghanaians because it was uncalled for. We hail the actions of Ghanaians, we thank them. We need to recognize that Nkrumah did a great job for the country… Today, he has asked for forgiveness from the chiefs; this is what we have all been waiting for, and so we accept his apology.”
Prior to this, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had also advised Dr. Opoku Prempeh to ensure that his actions did not make Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia regret choosing him as his running mate. The Otumfuo also urged NAPO to prove his critics wrong by displaying humility and diligence in his role.
“Don’t let Dr. Bawumia regret the decision to make you his running mate. You should be diligent and humble and listen to instructions from him. Be humble and do the work diligently for me. Have a listening ear and don’t upstage your boss. I’ve heard people say you are arrogant, and I question myself because since your childhood, I’ve not known you to be arrogant. I won’t agree with what people are saying, but it is up to you to prove them wrong. We will pray for you to ensure that what God has for you will become a reality,” Otumfuo advised.