A prominent figure within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kwesi Ahwoi, has issued an apology to the party’s flagbearer, John Mahama, and the wider party membership.
This apology follows remarks made by Ahwoi during a reception organized last Thursday by the Churchstreet group of NDC supporters in honor of the party’s running mate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
During his toast at the event, Ahwoi urged Prof. Jane Naana to be prepared for the presidency, highlighting the unforeseen circumstances that led to John Mahama assuming the presidency after the passing of late President Atta-Mills.
The video footage of Ahwoi’s remarks has circulated widely on social media, eliciting diverse reactions from viewers. However, in a statement released subsequently, the former Interior Minister expressed regret over the unintended implications of his words.
Ahwoi acknowledged his lapse in speech and accepted criticism, albeit noting that some critiques arose from a misinterpretation of his remarks.
He highlighted Prof. Jane Naana’s clarification during the event, affirming her confidence in John Mahama’s electoral victory in 2024 and his subsequent full term in office.
Expressing remorse over the incident overshadowing the otherwise joyous occasion, Ahwoi appealed to party members to move past the misunderstanding and rally behind John Mahama’s candidacy in the upcoming December 2024 elections.
In doing so, he urged unity within the party ranks to collectively work towards the goal of leading Ghana forward under Mahama’s leadership.
Read the full statement here:
Kwesi Ahwoi writes:
I have taken notice of the unfortunate controversy that has arisen as a result of a comment I made at a reception organized last Thursday by the Churchstreet group of NDC faithfuls for Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Running Mate to our esteemed flagbearer, H.E. John Dramani Mahama.
I sincerely regret the wrong impression that my comment has created. Indeed, it was not my intention, and never will it be my intention to pray that H.E. John Mahama does not serve his full four-year term when he wins the 2024 general elections.
I concede that I misspoke on the occasion. I accept the criticisms in good faith, even though some of the criticisms arise out of a deliberate misrepresentation of my statement.
Indeed, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang in response to my toast, pointed out the erroneous impression created by my statement and was categorical in asserting that she was certain that H.E. John Mahama will win the 2024 general elections and serve his full four-year term.
It is unfortunate that my statement appears to have taken the shine off what was otherwise a cheerful and light-hearted occasion.
I hereby render an unreserved and unqualified apology to H.E. John Dramani Mahama, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the leadership and rank and file of the great NDC.
Comrades and friends, let us put this unfortunate incident behind us and unite behind our flag-bearer, the visionary Nation Builder, to rescue our beloved country in the December 2024 elections.
SIGNED.
Kwesi Ahwoi
