A recent statement by a private legal practitioner and former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Freddie Blay, has ignited controversy.
Blay boldly claimed that no NPP minister under President Akufo-Addo’s administration was arrogant, throwing down the gauntlet by challenging critics to name just one example.
This assertion flies in the face of widespread public perception, which suggests that some NPP government ministers exhibited arrogant behaviour during their tenure.
Many analysts and politicians have attributed the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections to the arrogance and self-enrichment of some government appointees.
However, in an interview on Oyerepa Breakfast Time, Blay stated that no NPP ministers were arrogant and that if people think an individual is arrogant, they should point him out.
“No NPP minister under Akufo-Addo was arrogant. I challenge you to name just one.” Freddie Blay challenged.
Arguably, certain Ghanaians had figured some ministers as arrogant before 2024. For instance, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as Napo, (Dr Bawumia’s running mate) was cautioned by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II against arrogance. The Asantehene’s words of wisdom were seen as a subtle rebuke of Napo’s perceived haughty behaviour.
While opinions on the matter vary, Blay’s statement has undoubtedly sparked an important conversation on social media about the NPP’s legacy and the characteristics of effective leadership.
Check out a few comments by Netizens