The Editor-in-chief of the New Crusading Guide, Abdul-Malik Kweku Baako, has expressed strong disapproval towards Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for his recent political misstep.
Mr. Baako described this comparison as a “needless distraction,” indicating that such remarks could potentially harm the NPP’s prospects in the upcoming December general elections.
Mr. Baako echoed these sentiments, stating that NAPO’s remarks have provided their political opponents with ammunition.
“The comparison NAPO made between Akufo-Addo and Dr. Nkrumah is completely irrelevant and needless. You don’t provide an armor for opponents or neutrals; you don’t do it. It’s needless!”
Abdul-Malik Kweku Baako, Editor-in-chief of the New Crusading Guide
While acknowledging that NAPO may be ideologically correct, Baako criticized him for using such a platform for ideological debates.
“There is nothing wrong if he thinks Akufo-Addo has done better than Nkrumah. We can’t all think the same way, but on this occasion, he must focus on the election and paint a positive picture for his ticket.”
Abdul-Malik Kweku Baako, Editor-in-chief of the New Crusading Guide
The veteran journalist also revealed that some constituencies are agitated because of NAPO’s comments, underscoring the potential impact of this political gaffe on the party’s electoral prospects.
The remarks by NAPO have generated a wave of reactions from various political analysts and party supporters. Many believe that the comparison, regardless of its intention, could shift the focus from the NPP’s campaign agenda to an unnecessary debate over historical legacies. This, they argue, might distract the electorate from the current achievements and future plans proposed by the party.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, NAPO, a prominent figure in the NPP and the Minister of Energy, was recently announced as the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. His selection was seen as a strategic move to bolster the party’s chances, given his track record in public service and his appeal to various demographics. However, his recent comments have sparked controversy and debate within political circles.
Party Reaction
NAPO has sparked controversy by comparing the achievements of President Akufo-Addo to those of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, during his unveiling as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate in Kumasi on Tuesday.
National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, also known as Nana B, has questioned the backlash over Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s comparison of President Akufo-Addo’s achievements to those of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Supporters of NAPO argue that his comments were taken out of context and that his intention was to highlight the significant progress made under President Akufo-Addo’s administration. They believe that drawing comparisons with past leaders is a legitimate way to underscore the current government’s achievements.
“Why can’t we compare our achievements with Nkrumah? Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was a leader and a politician. We have our views, and we think, yes, we have done better because Nkrumah began Free SHS only in the Northern part of Ghana, and Nana Akufo-Addo has done it nationally. Is that not a monumental achievement?”
Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Nana B defended the comparison arguing that Akufo-Addo’s achievements, particularly in the implementation of Free SHS, surpassed those of Nkrumah.
The NPP, led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is gearing up for a highly competitive election against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama. The upcoming elections are expected to be closely contested, with both parties vying for the support of a largely undecided electorate.
As the December elections approach, the NPP will need to navigate the fallout from NAPO’s comments carefully. The party’s ability to present a unified front and stay focused on its core message will be crucial in determining its success at the polls. Political observers will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and what impact, if any, it will have on the party’s electoral fortunes.
