In a surprising turn of events, Ghanaian MP Isaac Adongo has issued an apology to Manchester United footballer Harry Maguire after making fun of him during a budget debate last year. Adongo, who was comparing Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic management to Maguire’s performances on the pitch, now acknowledges Maguire as a “transformational footballer” and a “key player” for Manchester United.
This apology comes amidst heavy criticism that Maguire has faced from fans and pundits alike. Despite such criticism, fellow footballers have rallied to defend Maguire, and it seems Adongo has had a change of heart as well. While praising Maguire, Adongo did not hold back in his criticism of Vice-President Bawumia, stating that he is now at the IMF “with a cup in hand.” In recent times, Ghana has been facing severe economic difficulties, resulting in increased government debt and a $3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Last year, Adongo had compared Vice-President Bawumia to Harry Maguire, stating that he had become the biggest threat to Manchester United’s defense. The video of the speech quickly went viral on social media, adding to the wave of criticism facing the footballer. However, England manager Gareth Southgate has condemned such mockery, calling it “ridiculous treatment,” and has praised Maguire as an “absolute stalwart” for the national team. Maguire’s mother has also spoken out in defense of her son, denouncing the abuse he has received as “disgraceful” and “unacceptable.”
While some Ghanaians have acknowledged Maguire’s improvement as a player, they argue that the country’s economy has witnessed no such progress. Adongo has cited an increase in taxes and tariffs on services as part of the IMF agreement, leading to widespread anger among Ghanaian voters. This anger has subsequently sparked protests against the rising cost of living and unemployment in the country.
Despite the economic challenges faced by Ghana, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has chosen Vice-President Bawumia as its candidate for the 2024 elections. This decision marks a significant milestone as Bawumia will be the first Muslim to contest for the presidency under the NPP since the restoration of multi-party democracy in 1992. Bawumia has vowed to lead a “united and energized” NPP into the election, emphasizing that his party is “the only party that can transform Ghana.”
Adongo’s apology has generated mixed reactions among Ghanaians. While some appreciate the acknowledgment of Maguire’s improvement, others believe that such a comparison should never have been made in the first place. The upcoming elections will undoubtedly serve as a critical juncture for Ghana, as its citizens determine whether the NPP and Bawumia can indeed deliver on their promise to transform the nation.
It remains to be seen how this unexpected turn of events will impact both Maguire and Vice-President Bawumia’s reputations. Maguire will likely find solace in the support he has received from fellow footballers, management, and his mother, hoping to put the disgraceful treatment behind him. Meanwhile, Bawumia may face further scrutiny and skepticism as Ghana’s economic crisis persists. Nonetheless, the apology from Adongo demonstrates the power of acknowledging past mistakes and fostering unity in both sports and politics.
