Running mate of the governing New Patriotic party (NPP) Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has once again found himself in the spotlight for his unchecked statements, this time taking aim at the Goasomanhene, a respected traditional leader, in what many are calling yet another instance of his verbal recklessness.
During a recent address, NAPO chastised former President John Mahama for comments he made about religious leaders, particularly the Chief Imam and pastors who offer prayers for politicians. NAPO, speaking in Twi, criticized Mahama, stating, “The Chief Imam says you should speak decently. If you are a Muslim and you vote for… eii, eii, eii. The president of the National House of Chiefs said if you go to pastors, they should pray for you. Why would you (Mahama) say they are hypocrites when they are praying for someone? Sir, learn to speak well.”
However, NAPO did not stop there. He went further to attack the Goasomanhene, accusing the chief of insulting the ruling government. According to NAPO, during Mahama’s visit to the Goasomanhene, the chief made remarks urging Mahama to arrest corrupt officials within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) if he returns to power. NAPO, clearly offended by this, fired back, questioning the credibility of the person standing next to Mahama during the visit, hinting at the involvement of this individual in a road contract bribery scandal.
“If you (Mahama) come to power, arrest NPP officials who looted from the state,” the Goasomanhene is reported to have said. In response, NAPO challenged the statement, suggesting that Mahama himself should be first in line if corrupt officials are to be jailed. “If you are saying people should be arrested, then Mahama would be going to jail… Don’t say things that, when they happen, Ghanaians will wonder, ‘God, didn’t you say you are forgiving?’ No! If the NDC plans to jail NPP officials, they themselves are already in jail,” NAPO added.
Critics have condemned NAPO’s remarks as another example of his tendency to speak without caution, especially when addressing revered figures such as the Goasomanhene. His latest tirade has further fueled the perception that he often engages in loose talk, with little regard for decorum or the stature of those he addresses.
Napo is at it again as he attacks the chief Imam and the Goasomanhene. Wow he’s disrespecting the whole chief Iman and a paramount chief because of politics ah 😭💔pic.twitter.com/CHn4VLxJKb
— Berry ☯︎🦍🥷 (@fanti_boy) October 13, 2024
I support the call for traditional and religious leaders to speak truth and stop the hypocrisy – Goase Manhene#MetroNews pic.twitter.com/0E65Z21pyn
— Metro TV Ghana (@metrotvgh) September 18, 2024