The running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has reiterated his apology to the chiefs of Nkroful over his controversial "your Kwame Nkrumah" comment.

During a courtesy call on the chiefs of Nkroful, where Ghana’s first president, Dr. Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, hails from, NAPO emphasized that his comments about Nkrumah and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s legacies were misinterpreted, and he did not intend to disrespect the former statesman.

He explained that the late Nkrumah did much for the country, and anyone who tried to disrespect him would face consequences.

“I lived with Nzema people when I was growing up. Nzema people and I are one. I will never disrespect Nkrumah in any way. Anyone who attempts to disrespect Nkrumah will face the consequences of their actions.

“Nkrumah has done so much for the country. I was misconstrued, but I apologised to Ghanaians, and I stand here before you to apologise for my comments again. Forgive me; we’re all one people,” citinewsroom.com quoted him to have said.

In response, the chief of Nkroful, Nana Kwasi Kutua, accepted the apology.

“We are a peaceful people; we don’t like violence, and we don’t want a situation where chaos erupts in Ghana because of the Nzema people.

“We heard that NAPO apologized to Ghanaians for his comments. But he needed to come to Nzema to personally apologise to the traditional leaders and reaffirm his regrets.

“Today, he has asked for forgiveness from the chiefs. This is what we have all been waiting for, and so we accept his apology,” he said.

During his unveiling in the Ashanti Region on July 9, 2024, NAPO asserted that the NPP government under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had outperformed 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 in Twi.

It may be recalled that he apologised for the comments he made after public uproar.

In a statement, 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/BB

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