A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team, Ellen Ama Daaku, has defended Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh against criticism directed at his remarks about President Akufo-Addo's contributions to Ghana's development compared to past leaders, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.Speaking on the Wednesday, July 10, 2024, edition of GTV's Breakfast Show, Ellen Ama Daaku justified Dr.

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Matthew Opoku Prempeh's comments within the context of an election campaign and the NPP's platform."It depends on the situation; he is speaking to his people; he is speaking to the NPP. We are looking at moving into an election; he was on a platform. Were you expecting him to go and extol the virtues of Kwame Nkrumah, Jerry Rawlings, or John Mahama?" she questioned.

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She further elaborated that while some may view Kwame Nkrumah as superior, the NPP as a party does not share that perspective.Defending Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh's role and achievements under President Akufo-Addo, she highlighted his leadership in education and energy sectors, attributing his success to the opportunities provided by President Akufo-Addo."He doesn't think that way, and I don't think that way.

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I think Kwame Nkrumah was a president of Ghana; he led us to independence, but definitely, he has his issues. So, you don't want us to discuss it? You want everybody to hero-worship Kwame Nkrumah?"When it's Kwame Nkrumah's birthday, when it's Independence Day, we have discussions on his legacy and what he has done. You agree with what he has done; I agree with what I have done.

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The NPP, by ideology, by everything, is not in the same lane with Kwame Nkrumah and the CPP values.

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"So, if an NPP running mate says that the president—let's remember that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is the president who has given NAPO the leeway to do everything—he practically made him; gave him an opportunity to serve in his government in two very important positions as Minister of Education, where he implemented his flagship program, and then moved him to the Ministry of Energy.

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And for me, and a lot of Ghanaians, NAPO has done exceptionally well."So, if he is standing on the platform of the NPP on his unveiling as the running mate, are you expecting him to go and hero-worship Kwame Nkrumah?" she questioned.The energy minister faced severe criticism following accusations of disrespecting Dr. Kwame Nkrumah during his introduction as the running mate of NPP flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

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Speaking at a gathering of party leaders and supporters on Tuesday, June 9, 2024, in Kumasi, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh emphasized that President Akufo-Addo has surpassed even Ghana's first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in advancing the country's development."It has never happened in the history of Ghana.

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If President Akufo-Addo retires, I can hit my chest and state that since the nation's inception in 1957, there has not been a president who has helped the state more than Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo."I am saying that from 1957 to now, whether you pick 'your' Kwame Nkrumah... there is nobody who has led Ghana and protected the country or developed Ghana more than Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo," he stated.

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