A Ghanaian Member of Parliament, Isaac Adongo, has issued an apology to Manchester United footballer Harry Maguire for his remarks during a budget debate last year.
Adongo had compared Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic management to Maguire’s on-field performances.
Despite Maguire facing criticism from some fans, Adongo praised him as a “transformational footballer” and a “key player” for Manchester United during the recent budget discussion.
Adongo, however, continued to criticize Vice-President Bawumia, stating that ‘the Ghanaian Maguire’ was now at the IMF “with a cup in hand.”
Vice-President Bawumia leads the government’s economic management team amid Ghana’s severe economic crisis.
The country had to secure a $3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as government debt soared.
In December 2022, Ghana experienced a record 54% inflation rate, which has since decreased to around 35%. Adongo’s initial comparison of Bawumia to Maguire gained attention on social media, with the video widely shared.
A year ago, Adongo had likened Bawumia to Maguire, emphasizing that Maguire had become a significant threat at the heart of Manchester United’s defense.
The criticism of Maguire coincided with a wave of public disapproval. England manager Gareth Southgate condemned the mockery, labeling it “ridiculous treatment” and praising Maguire as an “absolute stalwart” for the team.
Maguire’s mother also defended her son, describing the abuse as “disgraceful” and “unacceptable.”
