While addressing a large gathering of New Patriotic Party members and supporters during his official unveiling in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, made statements about Dr. Kwame Nkrumah that many find insulting to the image and reputation of Ghana’s political legend.
He stated, “Since independence from 1957 until today, we have not had any president who has helped Ghana like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. From 1957 until today, you can bring up your Kwame Nkrumah… no president has protected Ghana and advanced the country like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.”
In response to these comments on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” show, Professor Kofi Agyekum, Head of Linguistics at the University of Ghana, questioned the reasons why NAPO would belittle Dr. Nkrumah.
To him, speaking against Nkrumah is tantamount to speaking against the multitude of Ghanaian beneficiaries of Nkrumah’s projects. Therefore, in his opinion, Dr. Opoku Prempeh should not have tarnished Nkrumah’s name.
He labeled NAPO’s statements as uncouth and urged the leadership of the New Patriotic Party to manage him more effectively in the future.
Opanyin Agyekum, as he is affectionately known, suggested that NAPO’s handlers should write his speeches for him if he is not adept at public speaking.
“Sit NAPO down and train him… This should be a lesson for him!” he exclaimed.
