The Concerned Citizens of Nzema Maanle at Axim in the Western Region have warned that they will prevent the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, from embarking on his campaign tour of the Nzema East Municipality on Friday, August 9, 2024.
The group has vowed to resist Dr. Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, from campaigning in the area until he renders a proper apology to the people of Nzema over his comment on Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, August 8, the Convener of the Concerned Nzemas, Egya Isaac Bondzie, raised concerns about NAPO’s failure to apologise after being advised to do so by the Chief of Nkroful, Nana Koasi.
“We have heard that he wants to come to Axim here without an apology. We, the Nzemas here, want to tell him that Nzema Maanle is one. If he thinks he can play to divide us, then we are telling him that he cannot and will not be allowed to do that.
“If he thinks he can sideline Elembelle and come to Nzema East after disrespecting Nkrumah and refusing the good counsel of Nana Koasi Kutue of Nkroful, and come to Axim and be received by us, we are saying no way. We will protest his coming unless he renders an unqualified apology as the people of Nkroful have demanded of him through Nana Koasi Kutue,” he warned.
He cited instances where NAPO had disrespected the legacy of Dr Nkrumah, calling on the former NPP Member of Parliament for the area to rebuke him and bring him to order.
“We also want to express our disappointment with our sister, mother and former Member of Parliament, Hon. Catherine Afeku for her decision to invite NAPO at a time that he had not shown remorse for his uncouth comment about Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to come to Axim.
“In our opinion, we believe that people like Hon. Catherine Afeku, a former Tourism Arts and Culture Minister ought to have known better and encouraged NAPO to render an unqualified apology to all of us, the Nzema people.
“Unfortunately, he is getting a pat on the back from her with this invitation to the launch of her campaign because she has always showcased her disdain for anything Nkrumah. One reason why she did nothing during her term as the sector minister to promote Osagyefo,” he added.
He called on other chiefs to add their voices to the concerns.
“We, therefore, call on the five paramount chiefs of Nzema East to add their voice to this call and also send a message to the failed leadership of the NPP to advise NAPO to render an unqualified apology to the chiefs and people of Nkroful, all the Nzema people and Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s family in particular, before he would even dream of setting his foot anywhere on our land, Nzema Maanle. He who has ears, let him hear,” he urged.
