The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has issued a strong statement demanding an apology from Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for his recent comments comparing President Akufo-Addo to Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
During his unveiling event in Kumasi, Dr. Opoku Prempeh claimed that President Akufo-Addo has developed Ghana more than any other president, including Dr. Nkrumah. He stated that Akufo-Addo’s achievements surpass those of all presidents since 1957, including Nkrumah’s.
The CPP has taken offense to these comments, calling them “disrespectful” and “unacceptable.” In a statement, the party demanded that Dr. Opoku Prempeh apologize and retract his comments within 24 hours. The party also called on President Akufo-Addo to withdraw Dr. Opoku Prempeh from his position as Minister of Energy and for Vice President Dr. Bawumia to withdraw him as his vice presidential candidate.
The CPP warned that if their demands are not met, they will take to the streets to protest, along with Nkrumaists worldwide. They emphasized that the country’s image and long-term political and economic fortunes are at stake.
The party quoted a popular saying, “one who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off,” suggesting that the government should heed the voice of the people to avoid an electoral defeat. Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s comments have sparked outrage among Nkrumaists and Ghanaians who see them as an attempt to rewrite history and diminish Dr. Nkrumah’s legacy.
The CPP’s statement emphasized that Dr. Nkrumah’s contributions to Ghana’s development and independence cannot be surpassed by any president, including Akufo-Addo. The party’s demands have added a new dimension to the ongoing political campaign, with many Ghanaians calling for respect and recognition of Dr. Nkrumah’s legacy.
The situation highlights the ongoing debate about Ghana’s history and development, with the CPP and NPP having different perspectives on the country’s progress since independence.
