The 2024 running mate for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has shockingly revealed how Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah hunted, arrested and chased chiefs out of the country.
Speaking during a radio interview on August 16, 2024, while on a campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, Dr Opoku Prempeh provided insights into the origins of the NPP and its evolution over the years. He recounted the party’s deep historical connections to Ghanaian chiefs and their significant role in its formation.
According to him, the NPP’s roots can be traced back to various political groups that were founded by chiefs who felt persecuted under the regime of Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
“… Kwame Nkrumah went and arrested all the chiefs of Annor and sent them to prison and he changed the Volta regional capital from Hohoe to Ho. He then arrested all the chiefs from Hohoe and imprisoned them. Chiefs from Accra all came and formed their party and even Muslims from the Zongo communities also formed their party to unite with the United party.”
“So, the party belonged to all Ghanaians before the formation of the Ashanti party. The leader of the Ashanti party was a chief and he elected his linguist, the Gas and Ewes were chiefs as well. I have visited Togbe Sri and the things the man said prove this is his party [NPP]. I have gone to Kete Krachi, Akwamufie, Kwahu, Akuapem, New Juabeng, Ga Mantse, Wassa Amenfi, Ahanta, Nzema, Essikado, Sekondi, Kumasi, Yendi, Denkyira and the party belongs to every Ghanaian because all the chiefs are singing the same tune.”
“That’s why I’m saying our leader, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is also from a royal family. Because Kwame Nkrumah wanted to arrest the Mamprusi chief, Dr Bawumia’s father left the Northern People’s Party to join the CPP to prevent the arrest of the Mamprusi chief and his transfer to Accra. Several chiefs had to run from the country because he threatened them,” NAPO added.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
