Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, remains a revered figure across Africa, celebrated for his Pan-Africanist vision and enduring political leadership. His legacy in political economy continues to hold significant stature globally.
The ideological clashes between Nkrumah’s vision and the UP tradition have persisted since independence, leading to political polarization along tribal lines in Ghana.
The unveiling ceremony of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was overshadowed by his contentious remarks, deviating from expected acceptance and gratitude towards the party.
Political analyst Yaw Asani Tano expressed disappointment on Ahotor 92.3 FM’s “Adekyee Mu Nsem” morning show hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. Tano criticized the handling of Prempeh’s speech, emphasizing the need for better focus on the intended message rather than straying onto unrelated topics.
Tano suggested that Dr. Prempeh should be supported with a speechwriter and counselor to enhance his public speaking and stage presence. He highlighted the importance of addressing governance issues, alleging corruption, human rights abuses, poverty, and economic hardships during President Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure.
He called on the UP tradition to acknowledge Nkrumah’s leadership, particularly his industrialization efforts and economic progress before his overthrow by the same tradition currently in power.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, known as Napo, defended his controversial assertion that President Akufo-Addo has surpassed all previous Ghanaian presidents in terms of development. His remarks during his inauguration as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate sparked widespread debate and calls for retraction and apology.
Napo reaffirmed his stance during a visit to Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, the Omanhene of Wasa Amenfi Traditional Area in Wassa Akropong, Western North Region. He insisted that Akufo-Addo’s achievements are unmatched, dismissing criticisms as typical of Ghanaian politics where truth-tellers are often branded disrespectful.
During the visit, Napo expressed gratitude for the chief’s support and prayers since his inauguration, emphasizing the role of traditional leaders in Ghanaian politics. He stressed that recognizing chiefs’ authority does not imply their involvement in partisan politics but acknowledges their significant role in national and local administration.
Napo introduced Ernest Acheampong, the NPP parliamentary candidate for Wasa Amenfi, and sought the chief’s blessings for his candidacy.
