A Member of Parliament (MP) in Ghana, Isaac Adongo, has issued an apology to Manchester United’s Harry Maguire for comments made during a budget debate last year.
Adongo had compared Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic management to Maguire’s football performances, drawing attention to the footballer’s criticism by some fans.
In his recent statement on Tuesday, Adongo sought to correct the record, praising Maguire as a “transformational footballer” and acknowledging his role as a “key player” for Manchester United during the budget debate.
However, Adongo continued his criticism of Vice-President Bawumia, stating, “As for our Maguire, he is now at the IMF, with a cup in hand.”
Bawumia heads the government’s economic management team, grappling with Ghana’s severe economic crisis, which led to a $3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due to soaring government debt.
In December 2022, Ghana experienced a record inflation rate of 54%, which has since fallen to around 35%. Adongo’s initial comparison between Bawumia and Maguire had garnered attention on social media, coinciding with widespread criticism of the footballer.
England manager Gareth Southgate condemned the mockery, describing it as “ridiculous treatment” and praising Maguire’s contributions to the national team.
Maguire’s mother also defended her son, condemning the “disgraceful” and “unacceptable” abuse he faced.
Adongo’s recent apology prompted varied reactions from Ghanaians, with some acknowledging Maguire’s improvement but questioning the appropriateness of the initial comparison.
Adongo highlighted that the Ghanaian government, under the IMF agreement, had increased taxes and tariffs on services, sparking public anger and protests against the rising cost of living and unemployment.
Despite these challenges, Ghana’s governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has selected Bawumia as its candidate for the 2024 elections.
If successful, Bawumia would be the first Muslim to contest the presidency under the NPP’s banner since the restoration of multi-party democracy in 1992.
Bawumia has pledged to lead a “united and energized” NPP into the elections, emphasizing that it is “the only party that can transform Ghana.”
