Claim: Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has resigned as running mate to the NPP flagbearer

Source: Viral letter

Verdict: FAKE

Researched by Gifty Tracy Aminu

GhanaFact on July 16, 2024, found a press statement alleging that the running mate to the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), has resigned his position over the controversial remarks he made about Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. 

The press release bears the logo of the NPP at the top right corner and the name of the running mate on the top left corner and is titled: “Resignation as Running mate.” 

“Upon reflection of the reaction from the general public concerning my statement made on the 4th of July 2024 during my outdooring about His Excellency the first President of the Republic, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and in consultation with my wife and the entire family members including my father HRM Otumfour Osei Tutu the Asantehene, I wish [to] declare my resignation as running mate for the Presidential Candidate of the NPP, Dr. Bawumia,” the statement said in part. 

A screenshot of the viral letter shared on X

This post, as shared by one Kyei Meshack, has since been viewed by over 91,000 X users, and shared by 182 people, with 729 likes and 185 comments. 

So far, the press statement has been shared by multiple X accounts with different captions such as: “BREAKING: Napo has resigned from the position of running mate for Bawumia. This decision was made in the best interest of our country and its people” and “Breaking news: Napo has resigned as Bawumia Running mate for 2024 general election.”

This fact-check report seeks to verify the claim.

Background

On July 4, 2024, the Vice Presidential Candidate for the NPP Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, alias Napo; during his outdooring event as running mate in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, made remarks against Kwame Nkrumah.

The remark by Dr Opoku Prempeh was condemned by a section of the Ghanaian public while some groups called for his resignation. Dr Opoku Prempeh, however, in a later post on social media, apologised over his comment stating that he did not set out to denigrate Nkrumah or any other president.

Fact-Check

Checks by GhanaFact show the NPP and the Vice Presidential Candidate have not published any resignation letter as being portrayed on social media. 

GhanaFact contacted the spokesperson of the candidate, Fiifi Boafo, who denied the press release and tagged it as false. 

“It is very false. He has not resigned,” Fiifi Boafo told GhanaFact.

Further online search showed no credible media organisation has published a story confirming the claim. 

Verdict

The claim is rated false and the letter is FAKE.