I didn't mean to denigrate Nkrumah or any other president — NAPO apologises over 'best president' comparison

Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) running mate for the 2024 elections, has apologised for comments he made earlier this week comparing President Nana Akufo-Addo's performance to that of Ghana's past leaders.

In a statement issued on Friday, July 12, Dr Prempeh, who is affectionately called Napo, said he did not intend to denigrate Ghana's first president Dr Kwame Nkrumah or any other past president with his remarks.

"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," Napo said in the statement.

He added: "I note the concerns raised after my statement. I apologise sincerely and regret any discomfort caused."

Napo had faced criticism after touting the achievements of Akufo-Addo as better than Nkrumah and all leaders since independence at his unveiling as NPP running mate in Kumasi on Tuesday.

"We’ve not had any president that has helped Ghana like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. If you take your Kwame Nkrumah, no one has become president who has protected Ghana and moved it forward like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” he had said while praising Akufo-Addo's impact on education, health, infrastructure and the economy.