Napo to Ghana’s Leaders: ‘If You Can’t Handle Questions, You Can’t Lead’
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, has issued a direct challenge to Ghana’s political leadership that “if you cannot handle questions, you cannot lead.”
The NPP’s 2024 presidential running mate and former Energy Minister made the declaration in a Facebook post on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as part of a broader appeal for more respectful public discourse. But his words carried a sharp edge for those currently in power. “Public service has taught me that criticism comes with leadership, and some of it is necessary,” Napo wrote.
He added: “A leader who is unwilling to be questioned is unwilling to learn.”
Tension
The statement comes at a moment of heightened tension between the opposition NPP and President John Dramani Mahama’s NDC administration. The NPP has repeatedly accused the government of suppressing dissent, pointing to recent arrests of individuals for comments deemed insulting to public officials.
Last week, the party held a “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin warning that gagging critics is a dangerous path for Ghana’s democracy.
Insults
Napo decried the rising tide of personal insults and dehumanization in public conversation, urging Ghanaians to remember cultural values of courtesy and respect. But he is equally clear that respect does not mean silence, especially not toward leaders. “Respect has never meant silence,” he emphasized, adding, “It has never meant that elders, leaders or public officials are beyond criticism.”
He further stated: “Criticism and insult are not the same,” explaining that criticism identifies what is wrong and can help people think about what must improve. Insult, on the other hand, seeks only to humiliate, provoke or silence.
