Running mate of NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, has drawn harsh criticism on social networking site X (previously Twitter) for a recent political comment that many felt was disrespectful to a former president who has passed away.
The late Dr. Hilla Limann, Jerry John Rawlings, and John Agyekum Kufuor were among the former Ghanaian presidents whose services were recognised by Dr. Prempeh at the official opening of the Ashanti Regional NPP Campaign Working Committees and Women’s Conference in Kumasi.
But his allusion to the late John Evans Atta-Mills provoked criticism. “Baako na owu ye no,” or “the one who even died,” was NAPO’s comment, spoken in the Akan dialect.
Internet users swiftly took offence to the former Energy Minister’s remark, denouncing him for what they saw as his lack of decency.
“This guy doesn’t know how to talk at all,” one commenter commented. Neutrals don’t even find him attractive. incredibly poor public speaking abilities “He doesn’t respect himself, so how can he show respect to Ghanaians?” said an additional person. It’s not feasible. The NPP has already failed due to this man’s actions.
“Those asking how it is insulting—if someone describes President Kufuor as ‘baako na ʔte wheel chair mu,’ how will it sound?” was one particularly sharp criticism. Why do we stand up for any garbage only because of our political affiliation?
Dr. Opoku Prempeh has already been under fire for his comments before.
There was a lot of backlash when NAPO asserted, during President Akufo-Addo’s July 9 debut in Kumasi, that he had performed better than Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president. Some people took issue with the comparison’s presentation, while others disagreed with the comparison itself.
NAPO issued a public apologies for his remarks in response to the outcry, but the chiefs of Nkroful, the birthplace of Dr. Nkrumah, refused to accept it until they received a personal apology. NAPO personally apologised for his previous remarks in Nkroful during a visit to the Nzema region.
“When I was a child, I lived among Nzema people. I am a member of the Nzema people. I promise never to treat Nkrumah disrespectfully. If someone tries to belittle Nkrumah, they will be held accountable for his deeds. Nkrumah has greatly benefited the nation. I apologised to Ghanaians when my remarks were misunderstood, and I’m sorry again for what I said. Please pardon me; we are all one people,” he said.
Nana Kwasi Kutua, the chief of Nkroful, accepted the apologies and said, “Ghanians widely condemned NAPO’s remarks since they were inappropriate. We applaud and are grateful to Ghanaians for their acts. We must acknowledge that Nkrumah accomplished a tremendous deal for the nation. We embrace his apologies as it is what we have all been waiting for—he has sought the chiefs for forgiveness today.
Earlier, Dr. Opoku Prempeh had received advice from Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to make sure that his acts would not cause Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to second-guess his choice of running partner. Additionally, the Otumfuo challenged NAPO to show his detractors that he is a man of humility and diligence in his work.
“Don’t let Dr. Bawumia regret choosing you as his running mate. You should be vigilant, respectful, and follow his instructions. Be modest and work tirelessly for me. Maintain a respectful demeanour and avoid upsetting your boss. I’ve heard that you’re arrogant, which makes me wonder because I’ve never known you to be arrogant since you were a child. I will disagree with what others are saying, but it is up to you to prove them incorrect. We will pray for you to ensure that God’s plans for you come true,” Otumfuo urged.
