The Abuakwa South Member of Parliament, Samuel Atta Akyea, has shot down the call by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for him to apologise for reportedly labelling its presidential candidate, John Mahama, as a “drunkard.”
The politician claims he would not apologise because he did not specify anyone’s name when making the statements.
During a mini-rally on August 27, 2024, Atta Akyea made comments suggesting that former President John Dramani Mahama was a drunkard.
At the rally, the MP encouraged Ghanaian voters to vote massively for Dr. Bawumia because he was an economist and not a drunkard.
The NDC’s general secretary, Fifi Kwetey, demanded an apology after the comments sparked outrage and led to a statement demanding an apology.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 29, the NDC’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, described Atta Akyea’s comments as “reckless and unfounded.”
“For the record, H.E. John Dramani Mahama is not a drunkard. He is a distinguished statesman whose commitment to the well-being and progress of Ghana is unquestionable. His track record in public service and his enduring leadership qualities speak for themselves,” the NDC statement said.
But Mr. Atta Akyea has responded in a media interview that he will not apologise to Mr. Mahama because he did not mention his name when he made the comments.
‘’I will not apologise. How can someone apologise to his friend when he has not made disparaging remarks against the friend? Fifi Kwetey should demonstrate leadership and carry himself in a manner that befits his office. He should not misrepresent my comments and put words in my mouth. Several individuals have expressed interest in becoming president, and so why should he (Kwetey) assume that I was referring to former President John Dramani Mahama? I only stated that I was excited and pleased that we will have an economist who will be president and not a drunkard. I was only expressing my excitement and thanking God for that, so why should anyone try to gag me?.’’
He admitted to making the comments but stressed that he did not mention anybody’s name to warrant an apology to the person.
‘’I made the comments, and whatever I said was the truth. The NDC is telling Ghanaians that the country was experiencing economic hardship, and I stated we are going to have an economist as president who is also not a drunkard. If you have a tooth-related problem, you see a dentist and not a carpenter. What aspect of my comment is false? Is Bawumia not an economist? He is also not a drunkard, and so I don’t know why someone would assume that I was referring to him when I did not mention anybody’s name,” he told Accra based Peace FM.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
