The Convention People’s Party (CPP) is demanding the resignation of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh from all governmental and political positions within 24 hours.
The call comes in response to what the CPP describes as “reprehensible and unbecoming” statements made by the Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP’s) Vice Presidential Candidate.
The statements, made in Kumasi on 9th July 2024, have been widely condemned by the CPP and other Nkrumaist supporters.
The CPP emphasized the absurdity of questioning the contributions of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President and a prominent figure in African liberation politics.
A release issued by the CPP on Wednesday, July 10 argued that the comparison of the contribution of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to Ghana, Africa, and humanity as a whole is a moot question, dead on arrival and outmoded at birth.
NAPO’s remarks have been described as a broader pattern by the NPP to diminish Nkrumah’s legacy, including the abolition of Republic Day and AU Day, and the replacement of Founder’s Day with an NPP-centric holiday.
Calls for resignation and apology
The CPP called on Dr. Prempeh to resign immediately and issue a public apology and retraction to Ghanaians, Africans, and Nkrumaists worldwide.
The party also urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to withdraw him from his governmental and political roles.
“The Minister must do the honourable thing for the sake of the country’s image, and immediately resign from all governmental and political positions, and issue an immediate apology and retraction,” the CPP demanded.
The CPP noted that NAPO had disregarded wise counsel from Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who had advised him to avoid arrogance and to ensure that his actions did not embarrass the Vice President.
“Unfortunately, the Hon. Minister did not heed this wise admonition. Instead, he proceeded to use unprintable invectives to denigrate the very same Osagyefo under whose Government the father of his Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, served,” ” the CPP remarked.
Threat of public protest
The CPP warned that if their demands are not met within 24 hours, they would mobilize Ghanaians and Nkrumaists worldwide to protest.
“Ghanaians and Nkrumaists worldwide will have no choice but to hit the streets to register their displeasure if the above, or similar measures, are not immediately enforced,” the CPP declared.
The party reaffirmed the enduring legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and urged the government to respect his contributions to Ghana and Africa.
“Long live Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, long live Ghana, long live Africa,” the CPP proclaimed.