The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rallied behind Samuel Atta Akyea, the MP for Abuakwa South, after his contentious comments about former President John Dramani Mahama.
Mr Akyea had labeled Mahama a “drunkard,” sparking demands for an apology from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement released on August 30, 2024, the NPP Youth Wing, led by National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha, made it clear that they will not issue an apology.
The statement condemned the NDC for what it sees as hypocrisy, pointing out that NDC officials such as General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey and National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah had previously made disparaging remarks about NPP members without facing similar backlash.
The NPP Youth Wing noted that the term “drunkard” was first used against Mahama by Dr. Kwabena Duffour, a notable NDC figure, during the party’s presidential primaries.
They argued that Duffour’s comments about Mahama’s alleged drinking problem have never been retracted, which they believe justifies Atta Akyea’s comments.
The Youth Wing affirmed its commitment to defending their presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, from NDC attacks and warned of a “fire for fire” response. They called for a more respectful and fair political dialogue.
