NAPO did not intend to disrespect Nkrumah,” Fiifi Boafo clarified.

Written by GliveRadio Accra on July 10, 2024

Fiifi Boafo, spokesperson for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has responded to his comparison of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s achievements with those of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem on Wednesday, Mr. Boafo clarified that his statement was subjective.“It’s a subjective opinion. It was not his intention to disrespect Dr Kwame Nkrumah. How you wish to communicate something does not always mean exactly what you wanted to say,” he stressed.

During his introduction in Kumasi on Tuesday, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, often referred to as NAPO, remarked that no President, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, has developed Ghana as profoundly as President Akufo-Addo.

Since then, he has faced criticism from numerous Ghanaians, including former President John Mahama, who characterized the statement as regrettable.

But Mr. Boafo emphasized that his boss did not intend to disrespect former President Nkrumah.

He clarified that NAPO’s comparison was not meant to compete with Nkrumah but rather to highlight achievements within the current political context.

“Nkrumah is not in any competition. Our focus is on Mahama and Bawumia. If there is any comparison, it should be between Jane Naana and NAPO on education,” Mr Boafo stated.

According to him, NAPO’s speech primarily focused on contrasting the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) with the NPP.

“The mention of Nkrumah was just a comparison, not made with any malice. He was referring to the NDC, as the NPP is competing with them, and not to concentrate on former President Nkrumah,” he added.