Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the 2024 running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate and popularly known as Napo, has responded to viral jokes made about him by Ghanaian comedian OB Amponsah. His comments, made during a recent media interaction, show a mix of humor and perspective on the public attention he has received.
During his performance at the Bukom Boxing Arena in December 2024, OB Amponsah humorously referenced some of Napo’s controversial campaign remarks. The jokes, particularly those touching on comparisons between President Akufo-Addo and Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, resonated with the audience, drawing laughter and sparking online conversations.
Napo, addressing the viral comedy skits, said he welcomed the attention.
“If somebody who is a comedian is using my name and he is filling halls, I am very happy. I thank him because he is putting my name out there for free,” he said light-heartedly.
With a touch of humor, Napo added, “But I will let my lawyers write to him so that we share the proceeds, the revenue, because I am unemployed.”
One of the jokes that caught widespread attention was based on a statement Napo made during his official unveiling as running mate in Kumasi on July 9, 2024. At the event, he claimed that no president since Ghana’s independence in 1957 — not even Dr. Kwame Nkrumah — had developed the nation as significantly as President Akufo-Addo.
“Since independence from 1957 till today, we’ve not had any president that has helped Ghana like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. I say from 1957 till today, you can bring your Kwame Nkrumah… no president who has protected Ghana and moved the country forward like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” Napo stated during the campaign.
The statement stirred significant public backlash and became one of the key themes in OB Amponsah’s stand-up routine, which has gone viral again in recent days.
Amidst renewed public interest, Napo was also asked about his political future, specifically regarding rumors that he may run for president in the 2028 elections. He firmly denied any such ambitions.
“Me personally, I am not running in 2028,” he said during a press briefing after an NPP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Accra.
He emphasized that his primary focus is on party unity and ensuring the success of the current ticket in the 2024 elections.
“I am committed to the party’s unity and success. That’s my goal right now,” he concluded.
As the campaign season progresses, Napo’s media presence—both serious and comedic—continues to influence public perception. His response to OB Amponsah’s jokes reflects a lighter, human side of politics while reiterating his current focus on party cohesion and victory in 2024.
