The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued an apology to former President John Agyekum Kufuor after one of its communicators, Dela Edem, made comments the party has deemed disrespectful to the respected statesman.
In a statement released on Sunday, November 17, 2024, the NDC’s National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, condemned Edem’s remarks as “unsavoury and distasteful,” and expressed regret over the incident.
The party acknowledged that Edem had apologized to the former president, and it voiced its support for his apology.
“The attention of the National Communications Bureau of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been drawn to some unfortunate comments attributed to one of its members, Comrade Dela Edem, and directed at the person of former President and elderly statesman, H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor.
The NDC reaffirmed its respect for the elderly and hoped the apology would put the matter to rest. The party also called on its communicators to focus on issues as they continue to campaign.
“The said comments are unsavoury and distasteful. It is therefore refreshing to note that our comrade in question has duly retracted his statements and rendered an unqualified apology to the elderly statesman,” parts of the statement shared on social media read.
It added, “The NDC adds its voice to the apology that has been rendered and hopes that this retraction and apology bring closure to the matter.”
The party reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the elderly in society.
Additionally, it called on its communicators to prioritize issue-focused campaigns when sharing the party’s vision with Ghanaians.
“The NDC as a party accords utmost respect to the elderly in our society and honour to our statesmen.
“The party strongly advises all communicators to remain focused on propagating the transformational policies of the visionary nation-builder, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, and the NDC for a resounding victory on December 7, 2024,” it added.
Dela Edem’s remarks:
While speaking on Accra-based TV XYZ, Dela Edem made some inappropriate comments about former President John Agyekum Kufuor following an interview in which Kufuor encouraged Ghanaians to vote for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“Let me say something to President Kufuor. He should be careful; I expect him to stay in his lane. He should enjoy his retirement with the riches he had from being president. He is in a wheelchair as payment for his sins as president,” he said.
Despite being urged by the host, Mugabe Maase, to retract his statements, Dela Edem stood by his words and expressed no regrets, claiming he firmly believed in what he had said.
His remarks were met with widespread public condemnation, as many felt he had unjustly attacked a man who had not provoked him.
His Apology:
In a social media post, Dela Edem later apologized for the offensive and disrespectful comments directed at the former president.
Acknowledging the error in his earlier statements, which he had refused to retract on television, he admitted his mistake after facing significant public backlash.
“I sincerely render an unqualified apology to President Kufuor for the comments I made in reference to his ‘wheelchair’. Thank you!”