Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ellembelle constituency, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has criticised Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) running mate, for remarks perceived as belittling the achievements of Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

Mr. Buah described Napo's comments as both misguided and insulting.

During his unveiling as the NPP's running mate, Dr. Opoku Prempeh claimed that President Akufo-Addo had outperformed all previous Ghanaian presidents, including Dr. Nkrumah.

This assertion prompted Mr. Buah to demand an immediate retraction and apology, accusing Napo of attempting to "mischievously rewrite history."

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, 10 July 2024, Mr. Buah highlighted Dr. Nkrumah’s unparalleled contributions to Ghana’s independence and development.

He cited several of Nkrumah’s achievements, particularly in the Ashanti region, such as the establishment of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and the expansion of the Kumasi Central Market.

Mr. Buah noted these developments significantly boosted the region’s economy and infrastructure.

On a national level, the Deputy Minority leader, underscored former president Nkrumah's accomplishments, including the introduction of free and compulsory primary education, the construction of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the establishment of numerous educational and technical institutes across Ghana, and major infrastructure projects like the Tema Harbour and the Accra International Airport.

Mr. Buah contrasted these achievements with the current economic challenges under the Akufo-Addo administration, highlighting unprecedented borrowing, debt distress, and corruption.

“Under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's visionary leadership, Ghana emerged as a beacon of hope and a shining star in Africa, setting an example for other nations to follow. Regrettably, Ghana has now become a laughing stock owing to the abysmal performance of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led government," the Deputy Minority leader stated.

He also emphasised the significance of the Akosombo Dam, a project initiated by Nkrumah, which continues to generate over 30 per cent of Ghana's electricity supply.

“As the Energy Minister, Napo should acknowledge the significance of Kwame Nkrumah's Akosombo Dam,” Mr. Buah indicated.

 He further stressed that any attempt to downgrade Nkrumah's legacy would be met with fierce resistance.

“Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's legacy is sacrosanct, and any attempt to downgrade it will be met with fierce resistance. The people of Ghana will not tolerate any attempt to distort the country's history and undermine the legacy of its founding fathers,” he declared.

He added: “The undying legacy of the African of the Millennium and global icon, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, will forever be protected and not allowed to be distorted and undermined,” Mr. Buah concluded.