Running mate for NPP, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO
Some sports personalities have weighed in on the controversial comment made by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, known as NAPO, who is the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), regarding Ghana's first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
During his unveiling as the party's running mate on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, NAPO claimed that the NPP government under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had surpassed all previous administrations in Ghana's history, including that of Kwame Nkrumah.
"It has never happened in the history of Ghana. If President Akufo-Addo retires, I can hit my chest and state that since the nation's inception in 1957, there has not been a president who has helped the state more than Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
"I am saying that from 1957 to now, whether you pick 'your' Kwame Nkrumah... there is nobody who has led Ghana and protected the country or developed Ghana more than Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo," he said.
His claim has triggered criticism and outrage on social media, with some sports journalists and personalities sharing their thoughts.
Ace sports journalist Godfred Akoto Boafo, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), wrote that NAPO's comment explains the recent supposed slander of Kwame Nkrumah in textbooks.
"The Kwame Nkrumah slander in textbooks in recent years is now clearer."
Akoto's statement prompted a response from award-winning sports journalist Saddick Adams, who found the Nkrumah slander distasteful.
"But it is not nice tho" he wrote.
Meanwhile, Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo, in his assertion, found no issue with NAPO's comparison but drew the line at the Energy Minister's wording.
"I actually do think people have a right to compare other governments to Nkrumah’s. You can then do an objective analysis and make a determination of who is telling the truth."
"The issue is how he said it. ‘Mo Kwame Nkrumah no’ implies a personal disregard," Fentuo wrote.
Former Asante Kotoko coach Isaac 'Opeele' Boateng, in response to a tweet, labeled NAPO's comments as misguided.
"That is why it is sad that Napo has suddenly revived this unnecessary Nkrumah argument cos of his unguided talk.
"Those of us from the Busia family know our thoughts of Kwame Nkrumah so it hurts for Napo to bring in this unnecessary stress on us again," he expressed.
"I may stay out of X today." Opeele added.
EE/MA
