Any serious political party aiming to win an election would have asked NAPO to step down - Nana Ntow Amirekyi

Desmond Nana Ntow Amirekyi, a former National Organizer of the People's National Convention (PNC), has criticised Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for his recent remarks about former President Dr. Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah.

Speaking on UTV's Adekye Nsroma on July 11, 2024, Amirekyi condemned Prempeh's comments as disrespectful and questioned his political maturity.

Amirekyi expressed disappointment, stating, "I thought NAPO was a mature politician, but what he said has made me realise that he is not. I am surprised his followers haven't seen that and are supporting what he said."

The controversy stems from Dr. Prempeh's statement during his official introduction in Kumasi on June 9, 2024. He claimed that President Akufo-Addo surpasses Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in terms of spearheading development in the country's history.

This remark has been criticised widely, with many accusing Prempeh of arrogance.

Amirekyi believes that if the NPP is serious about winning the upcoming elections, they should reconsider Prempeh's candidacy as running mate.

"If NPP is a political party that respects Ghanaians and wants to break the 8, they would have told him to step down as running mate and appoint another person," he asserted. "Any serious political party that wants to win power will make sure that they will tell the man to his face to step down because of his utterances." also the PNDC

Meanwhile, NAPO has apologized for the comments he made comparing the achievements of Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, to those of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

In a statement released and signed by Dr. Opoku Prempeh, he clarified that his remarks were a reflection of his personal opinion regarding President Akufo-Addo's impact, compared to other Ghanaian leaders.

"I wish to emphasise that I never meant to disrespect our former president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, or any of our former presidents or heads of state, including my own grand uncle and mentor, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor.

"I note the concerns raised, and I sincerely apologize for any discomfort caused,” he wrote.

AM/SEA

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