Christian Kwabena Andrews, the leader of the Ghana Union Movement and popularly known as Osofo Kyiri Abosom, has criticized Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for his recent remarks about Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Kyiri Abosom suggested that NAPO requires psychological counseling for his comments, which allegedly downplayed the contributions of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to Ghana's development.
During his unveiling event in Kumasi on July 9, 2024, NAPO asserted that President Akufo-Addo had outperformed Dr. Nkrumah.
Kyiri Abosom countered NAPO's remarks by highlighting Nkrumah's significant achievements, such as the Tema Motorway, Akosombo Dam, Akosombo Textiles, Tema Port, and various factories and developmental projects across Ghana.
He emphasized that the title "Osagyefo" was bestowed upon Nkrumah by the late Asantehene due to his notable contributions to the nation.
“NAPO is (sic) and he needs psychological counseling because he shouldn’t have said that. If you look at the Akosombo Dam, Kwame Nkrumah brought it. The airport, Kwame Nkrumah brought it. Tema Port, the same. The title 'Osagyefo' was given to him by the late Asantehene, and as a royal, why would you say that?” he said.
Accusing the NPP of harboring animosity towards Nkrumah's legacy, Kyiri Abosom recounted a personal incident where he allegedly faced resistance when attempting to discuss Nkrumah's policies with former President John Kufuor.
Kyiri Abosom concluded by urging Ghanaians to support his presidential bid in 2024, asserting that his leadership would uphold and honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Meanwhile, NAPO has apologized for his comments comparing the achievements of Ghana's first president, Dr. 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 reflected his personal opinion regarding President Akufo-Addo's impact compared to other Ghanaian leaders.
"I wish to emphasize that I never meant to disrespect our former president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, or any of our former presidents or heads of state, including my grand uncle and mentor, John Agyekum Kufuor.
"I note the concerns raised, and I sincerely apologize for any discomfort caused," he wrote.
During his official unveiling in Kumasi on July 9, Dr. Opoku Prempeh said, "Since independence in 1957, we've not had any president who has helped Ghana like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. From 1957 till today, you can bring your Kwame Nkrumah... no president has protected Ghana and moved the country forward like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo."
These remarks have drawn criticism, prompting the Convention People's Party (CPP) to call for Dr. Opoku Prempeh's resignation.
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