Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has formally apologised to the traditional leaders of Nkroful, the birthplace of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The apology follows controversy over Prempeh’s comments during a July 9 event, where he suggested President Nana Akufo-Addo outperformed Nkrumah in advancing Ghana’s development.
The remarks by Prempeh, a former Energy Minister and current Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, sparked a significant public backlash.
The criticism led to his retraction of the statement and a broader apology to the Ghanaian public.
On August 9, 2024, as part of his campaign tour in the Western Region, Prempeh visited Nkroful to address the traditional leaders and personally seek forgiveness.
In his apology, Prempeh emphasised his connection with the Nzema people and expressed regret for any perceived disrespect towards Nkrumah.
“I grew up among the Nzema people, and we are one people. I would never intentionally disrespect Nkrumah, who has contributed significantly to our country.
I apologise to Ghanaians and specifically to you, the chiefs, for my comments,” Prempeh said.
Nana Kwasi Kutua, the Chief of Nkroful, accepted Prempeh’s apology and advised him to avoid such errors.
“The comments were widely condemned as inappropriate.
We appreciate the apology and reaffirm the importance of recognising Nkrumah’s significant contributions to Ghana.
We seek to maintain peace and unity, and we accept the apology extended to us today,” Nana Kutua stated.
Prempeh’s visit to Nkroful is part of his campaign activities in the Western Region ahead of the 2024 general elections.
