Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, known as NAPO and the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has issued an apology for recent comments he made comparing the achievements of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, to those of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

In a statement released on Friday and signed by Dr. Opoku Prempeh, he clarified that his remarks reflected his personal opinion on President Akufo-Addo’s impact relative 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 own grand uncle and mentor, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor. I note the concerns raised, and I sincerely apologize for any discomfort caused,” he wrote.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh made the contentious remarks during his official unveiling in Kumasi on July 9, stating, “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 comments have sparked criticism, prompting the Convention People’s Party (CPP) to call for Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s resignation.