Manchester United’s Harry Maguire received an apology from Ghanaian MP Isaac Adongo after previously being mocked during a budget debate last year.
Adongo, who had compared Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic management to Maguire’s football performances, expressed regret and praised Maguire as a “transformational footballer.”
Maguire accepted the apology, responding with a message on X saying “See you at Old Trafford soon.”
However, Adongo didn’t relent in criticizing Vice-President Bawumia, linking him to Maguire’s movement to the IMF with a cup in hand amid Ghana’s economic challenges.
Ghana has faced significant economic issues, including high inflation reaching a record 54% in December 2022, although it has since reduced to around 35%.
Adongo’s previous comparison between Bawumia and Maguire drew widespread attention and criticism, with England manager Gareth Southgate calling it “ridiculous treatment” and defending Maguire’s contributions to the team.
Adongo’s recent apology sparked varied reactions among Ghanaians. While some acknowledged Maguire’s improvement, they highlighted the persistent challenges in the country’s economic management.
Others believed the initial comparison should not have been made.
The Ghanaian government, as per Adongo, implemented tax and tariff increases as part of an agreement with the IMF, triggering public outrage due to the rising cost of living and unemployment.
Despite these challenges, Ghana’s governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) nominated Bawumia as its 2024 presidential candidate, marking the first Muslim candidate under the NPP’s banner since the restoration of multi-party democracy in 1992.
Bawumia pledged to lead a united and dynamic NPP into the elections, emphasizing the party’s ability to transform Ghana, despite ongoing economic difficulties.
Source-BBC
