'One who puts on his armour shouldn't boast like one who takes it off; apologise' — CPP to NAPO

The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has asked Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to retract his recent comments comparing President Akufo-Addo's achievements to those of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

During his unveiling at Jubilee Park in Kumasi on July 9, Dr. Opoku Prempeh stated that no president in Ghana’s history, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, has developed the country more than President Akufo-Addo.

His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from NPP supporters but later attracted backlash from Ghanaians.

"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," Dr. Opoku Prempeh proclaimed.

He further praised President Akufo-Addo's contributions to Ghana's development and emphasised the importance of the NPP retaining power in the upcoming elections to prevent a repeat of its 2008 loss to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He also suggested that it would be best for President Akufo-Addo to hand over to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh was formally introduced to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace on the morning of July 9, 2024.

Otumfuo cautioned him against the arrogance tag and urged him not to make Dr. Bawumia regret choosing him as his running mate.

The CPP, however, found Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s comments shocking and unfortunate.

In reaction, CPP issued a statement demanding his resignation and an apology.

"The Convention People’s Party calls on the Honourable Minister, within 24 hours, to do the ‘Honourable’ thing for the sake of the Country’s image, and immediately resign from all Governmental and political positions, and issue an immediate apology and retraction," the statement read.

The CPP also urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to remove Dr. Opoku Prempeh from his positions if he fails to comply. They warned that Ghanaians and Nkrumaists worldwide would protest if their demands are not met within 24 hours.

"As the popular saying goes, 'one who puts on his armour should not boast like one who takes it off,' there is an election to be fought, albeit at the ballot box, and it would serve the sitting Government well to heed the voice of the people, lest their imminent electoral defeat becomes even worse than it is predicted to be," the CPP concluded.