Manchester United player Harry Maguire has accepted an apology from Ghanaian MP Isaac Adongo, who mocked him during a budget debate by likening Maguire’s on-pitch performance to Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic management.
Maguire responded with a lighthearted message, inviting the Ghanaian legislator to Old Trafford soon. Adongo, in a recent statement, sought to set the record straight by praising Maguire as a “transformational footballer” referencing his role as a “key player” for Manchester United.
However, Adongo continued his criticism of Vice-President Bawumia, suggesting that the country’s Vice President is now at the IMF with a cap in hand begging for bailouts.
Adongo, in an interview with the BBC’s Newsday program, clarified that he had used Maguire’s performance struggles from 2021 to 2022 as a metaphor to express dissatisfaction with Ghana’s economy. He explained that upon witnessing Maguire’s improved form, he felt the footballer deserved an apology.
The legislator said he was enthralled by the footballer’s humility in accepting the apology, describing it as a moment of closure. “That humility has made my day, this brings closure,” he said.
Ghana has been grappling with a significant economic crisis led by Vice-President Bawumia, who heads the government’s economic management team. In response to soaring government debt, Ghana secured a $3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The country experienced a record-high inflation rate of 54% in December 2022, which has since decreased to approximately 35%.
A year ago when MP Adongo likened Vice-President Bawumia to footballer Maguire, describing Maguire as the “biggest threat at the center of the Manchester United defense”, the video of Adongo’s speech went viral on social media, contributing to widespread criticism of Maguire.
England manager Gareth Southgate denounced the mockery, deeming it “ridiculous treatment” and praising Maguire as an “absolute stalwart” for the team. Maguire’s mother also condemned the abuse, labeling it “disgraceful” and “unacceptable.”
There have been mixed reactions to the legislator’s apology to the Manchester defender. Some were of the view that there has been some improvement in Manchester United player Maguire’s performance but argued that the same cannot be said for Ghana’s economic managers. Some also criticized the comparison.
