Vice presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has apologised for his comments about Ghana’s first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
He made this controversial comment few hours he was advised by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II who addressed rumours regarding Matthew Opoku Prempeh's arrogance tag.
The Asantehene expressed surprise at these claims, as he said he had not observed such traits in Dr. Opoku Prempeh, whom he fondly referred to as his son.
The Asantehene advised NAPO to work to ensure that the disobedient tag does not arise.
“Some have said that you are arrogant. It’s a surprise to me because I didn’t see that when I was training him. Why is it that people are now complaining that he has become an arrogant person?
“I will pardon you and say that it is not the case, but don’t let that also be the description people give you. We pray that God’s plans for you will materialise and we tell Dr. Bawumia that I have committed you to his hands. If he offends you, let me know, and I will deal with him in private,” he stated.
The Asantehene made these remarks when the leaders of the NPP formally presented Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to the King of the Asante Kingdom at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Tuesday, July 9.
During a rally on the same day after the Asantehene's advice, the former Energy Minister compared President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, touting the former as the best president in the history of the country.
“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. Matthew Opoku Prempeh said during his unveiling as Running Mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Tuesday in Kumasi.
However, his statement where he said 'your Kwame Nkrumah’ was deemed disrespectful by many Ghanaians.
Despite the strong defence by NPP communicators, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has reflected and apologised for his comments in a 'purported' press statement issued today, Friday.
According to him, his ‘your Nkrumah’ comment was never meant to disrespect Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“My statement last Tuesday, 9th July, in Kumasi on the performance of President Akufo-Addo has elicited varied reactions. 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. I note the concerns raised after my statement. I apologise sincerely and regret any discomfort caused,” Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh said after four days of intense bashing from Ghanaians.
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Comments
He shouldn't have mentioned any name, Anyway, what he sought to achieve he has, is only those with critical thinking, would be able to read between the lines of his statement, he sought to be on the leaps of Ghanaians and to be noticed well by 1/3 of Ghanaians, to boost his popularity, without the majority noticing, indeed it has worked for him, now he will clean himself by been well guarded in his speech and actions, his party will try to sale him to Ghanaians as a gentleman, let see how that w...