Chiefs and people of Nkroful have accepted an apology from Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) running mate, after he made controversial remarks about Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
During his introduction in Kumasi on July 9, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, claimed that President Akufo-Addo had outperformed Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, which led to widespread criticism.
While some people completely disagreed with the comparison, others took issue with the way it was presented.
Following the backlash, NAPO issued a public apology for his statements. However, the chiefs of Nkroful, Dr. Nkrumah’s birthplace, insisted that he apologize in person before they would accept it.
During his visit to the Nzema area, NAPO stopped by Nkroful to personally apologize for his 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 apologised to Ghanaians and I stand here before you to apologise for my comments again, forgive me, we’re all one people,” NAPO said.
In response, the chief of Nkroful, Nana Kwasi Kutua accepted the apology.
“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 recognise that Nkrumah did a great job for the country.
“We’re a peaceful people, we don’t like violence, and we don’t want a situation where chaos will erupt in Ghana because of the Nzema people. We heard that NAPO apologised to Ghanaians for his comments. But he needed to come to Nzema to personally apologise to the traditional leaders and re-affirm his regrets.
“Today, he has asked for forgiveness from the chiefs, this is what we have all been waiting for, and so we accept his apology.”