Naa Torshie, Ricketts-Hagan, others defend NAPO against arrogant tag
Several prominent figures have come to the defense of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), against accusations of arrogance.
Dr. Prempeh, who has been branded as arrogant by some detractors, received strong endorsements from notable personalities including Irene Naa Torshie Addo, Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, lawyer and journalist Sampson Lardy Anyenini, and legal practitioner Kofi Bentil.
Irene Naa Torshie Addo
Irene Naa Torshie Addo, who was also a contender for the running mate slot, described Dr. Prempeh as a well-grounded politician with extensive experience in governance and legislation.
She highlighted his drive to deliver impactful results to improve the fortunes of Ghana and the NPP.
Expressing confidence in the Dr Bawumia-Dr Opoku Prempeh ticket, she called on NPP supporters to respect the decision and unite behind the duo for the upcoming December 2024 elections.
She also extended her appreciation to her supporters for their confidence in her capacity to be a suitable running mate.
Kweku Ricketts-Hagan
Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, an MP from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), also defended Dr. Prempeh, stating that the perception of arrogance is unfounded.
He emphasized that Dr. Prempeh, upon closer acquaintance, is a fantastic person who is assertive but not arrogant.
Ricketts-Hagan praised Dr. Prempeh’s intellectual capabilities and his engagement in intellectual debates, which he argued, should not be mistaken for arrogance.
Sampson Lardy Anyenini
During a panel discussion on JoyNews’ flagship programme, Newsfile, host Sampson Lardy Anyenini echoed these sentiments.
He noted that Dr. Prempeh is known for expressing strong views and making his points assertively, which should not be construed as arrogance.
“Matthew Opoku Prempeh has strong views to express on topics tabled for discussion. He makes his points strongly and would make sure he sends them across no matter what. That can’t be described as arrogance in any dictionary,”
Kofi Bentil
Legal practitioner Kofi Bentil, who is also the Vice-President of IMANI Africa, weighed in on the debate.
He pointed out that in Ghana, assertiveness and boldness are often mislabeled as arrogance.
Mr Bentil highlighted Dr. Prempeh’s track record, particularly his successful implementation of the Free SHS policy and his effective management of the Energy Ministry.
He argued that the focus should be on Dr. Prempeh’s ability to do the job and his results-oriented approach rather than on unfounded accusations of arrogance.
“The argument should be, can he do the job? Does he have the track record?
The defense mounted by these notable figures underscores the broad support for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh and seeks to shift the narrative from personal attacks to his competence and achievements as the NPP prepares for the upcoming elections.
