Fiifi Boafo, the spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has downplayed the controversy surrounding Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s recent comments comparing the achievements of President Akufo-Addo to those of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.
According to Fiifi Boafo, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, did not intend to denigrate Nkrumah’s legacy but only expressed a strong personal view.
During his unveiling ceremony in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, July 9, NAPO claimed that no president in Ghana’s history has performed better than President Akufo-Addo.
This statement has sparked various reactions, with many calling for an apology and retraction.
However, speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, July 10, Boafo suggested that instead of criticising NAPO, critics should provide evidence to support or refute his claims.
He emphasised that the essence of NAPO’s message was to argue that the current government has done well and that any contrary view should be backed by evidence.
“It is not an imposition. The fact that NAPO has said it [doesn’t] mean that he is forcing it down your throat. He holds a strong view on that, and it is that the government has done well. If you have a contrary view, you are free to advance your argument and say, ‘I disagree with your point, and this is the reason why I disagree with your point.’
“But the sad thing is that people are not ready to offer a contrary position backed by evidence to say that we believe that Nkrumah did A, B, and C, and so we believe that Nkrumah did better than Akufo-Addo,” he stated.
“I have even heard statements from some people who say they are members of the CPP…and because he mentioned Nkrumah’s name, it is a crime. I don’t believe that is a crime, and it is the reason Dr Prempeh was making the point that he doesn’t feel intimidated to the effect that he cannot even express a view.
“If you disagree with him, you can give evidence to that effect. It does not mean that you cannot hold a position or have an opinion. What is the point of serving in a government if you cannot defend it?” he quizzed.
Meanwhile, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh defended his comment, stating that it sadly appears in Ghanaian politics that those who speak the truth are labeled disrespectful while those who lie are praised.
