Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has cautioned former President John Dramani Mahama against making unprovoked criticisms of revered religious and traditional leaders.

This warning follows recent remarks by Mr. Mahama, which have sparked public backlash for being perceived as attacks on pastors, chiefs, and imams.

Speaking during a campaign tour at Ofoase in the Juaben constituency, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, also known as ‘NAPO’, suggested that Mr. Mahama's comments were rooted in frustration over his party’s chances in the upcoming elections.

“John Mahama has realised that the NDC has no chance of winning the presidential and parliamentary elections, so he [Mahama] has directed his frustration and anger to innocent people,” Napo stated.

He further accused Mr. Mahama of disrespecting religious and traditional figures, noting, “John Mahama knows that the battle ahead of him and his NDC is arduous, so he is picking quarrels with chiefs, Imams, and pastors for no reason.”

Napo defended his approach of seeking blessings and support from these leaders, stating, “If I beg chiefs, Imams, and pastors for their blessings, support, and direction to help the NPP, I think it’s in the right direction. Should my humble approach cause anger in anybody?” The crowd responded with a resounding “no.”

Highlighting the importance of respecting traditional authorities, Napo added: “We know the lands belong to our respected chiefs, so I will continue to seek Nananom’s permission before we start our house-to-house campaigns on their lands because I respect our chiefs.”

Napo concluded his address by urging voters not to support Mahama and the NDC in the upcoming December 7 elections, emphasising the need for a leader who respects the nation's religious and traditional institutions.