The National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), George Opare Addo, has criticised Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh also known as NAPO, the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for what he described as “disrespectful” comments made during his unveiling ceremony.

On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Dr. Opoku Prempeh lauded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the most effective president in Ghana’s history, surpassing even the revered first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

“Since independence from 1957 till today, we’ve not had any president that has helped Ghana like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. I say from 1957 to now if you take your Kwame Nkrumah, no one has become president who has protected Ghana and moved it forward like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” NAPO declared during the event held at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

He further praised President Akufo-Addo’s achievements, emphasising advancements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the economy.

“Nana Addo’s development initiatives are unmatched. His policies, including the Free Senior High School (SHS) program and the One District, One Factory initiative, have been widely praised for their positive impact on the nation,” Dr. Prempeh stated.

However, the NDC National Organiser, speaking on the Class Morning Show on Class91.3FM on Wednesday, 10 July 2024, condemned the comments by the NPP running mate describing it as “disrespectful” and claimed they reflected poorly on Dr. Prempeh’s qualifications for the position.

“Such disrespectful comment,” Opare Addo said, criticizing Dr. Prempeh for his praise of President Akufo-Addo. He argued that the current administration’s failures are well-documented and that the praise given to Akufo-Addo by Dr. Prempeh reveals a flawed perspective.

Mr. Opare Addo asserted that President Akufo-Addo is widely regarded as the worst president in the history of the Fourth Republic.

“Everybody knows that Akufo-Addo is the worst president in the history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.

He also argued that Dr. Prempeh’s elevation to running mate demonstrates how the NPP has lowered its standards for leadership.

“Because NPP has reduced the bar so low, so low that is how come people like Matthew Opoku Prempeh today have been given the opportunity to lead the NPP,” he stated.

Mr. Opare Addo, however, emphasised that the upcoming election offers Ghanaians a choice between progress and regression.

“The Ghanaian people on 7 December will decide, they have a choice to vote to progress,” he added.