Regional chairmen for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have registered their displeasure with what they described as “unguarded” comments by the party’s senior member, Kwesi Ahwoi.
Ahwoi, in a viral video, suggested that the party’s running mate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, should be ready to take over the reins of government as “anything can happen”.
The NDC stalwart made these remarks during a toast at a nomination party for Jane Opoku-Agyeman as Mr. Mahama’s running mate for the 2024 elections.
“As guardians of our party’s ethos and unity, we express our utmost disapproval of such remarks, which are not only unelderly but also potentially divisive in our journey towards victory in 2024.
“The viral video containing Mr. Ahwoi’s comments has caused understandable concern among our esteemed members and supporters. We wish to reiterate that such remarks do not reflect the values or principles of our party, and they are unequivocally condemned”, the regional chairmen of the NDC said in a statement dated Monday, March 25, 2024.
“In light of these developments, we call upon the Party’s Council of Elders to swiftly intervene and caution against the propagation of unguarded statements by key stakeholders.
“As we approach the crucial 2024 elections, it is paramount that we maintain a united front and focus our efforts on our eminent quest for victory”, the statement added.
The regional chairmen further underscored that the selection of Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman was not “a victory of few over others, but a collective endorsement of a candidate whose credentials and dedication to our party’s ideals.”
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They called on the party members to “reaffirm our commitment to the principles of unity, inclusivity, and respect within our party, ensuring that our collective aspirations remain undeterred by divisive rhetoric”.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ahwoi has apologised for the comments, indicating that he misspoke and thus unreservedly apologise to the flagbearer, John Mahama, and the entire NDC party.
Below is the full statement:
REGIONAL CHAIRMEN STATEMENT ON UNGUARDED REMARKS BY MR. KWESI AHWOI
We, the Regional Chairmen of the National Democratic Congress, collectively address the recent unfortunate incident involving Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi’s disparaging remarks. As guardians of our party’s ethos and unity, we express our utmost disapproval of such remarks, which are not only unelderly but also potentially divisive in our journey towards victory in 2024.
The viral video containing Mr. Ahwoi’s comments has caused understandable concern among our esteemed members and supporters. We wish to reiterate that such remarks do not reflect the values or principles of our party, and they are unequivocally condemned.
Furthermore, we emphasize the meritorious nature of the selection of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman as the running mate for His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. This decision was reached through a rigorous and inclusive process, receiving unanimous blessings from the National Executive Committee, wherein the Regional Membership played a pivotal role.
It is imperative to clarify that this selection was not a victory of few over others, but a collective endorsement of a candidate whose credentials and dedication to our party’s ideals and the development of this Country are unquestionable. Any insinuation otherwise undermines the unity and solidarity upon which our party stands.
In light of these developments, we call upon the Party’s Council of elders to swiftly intervene and caution against the propagation of unguarded statements by key stakeholders. As we approach the crucial 2024 elections, it is paramount that we maintain a united front and focus our efforts on our eminent quest for victory.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of unity, inclusivity, and respect within our party, ensuring that our collective aspirations remain undeterred by divisive rhetoric.
Together, we shall prevail and build the Ghana we want.
ALL REGIONAL CHAIRMEN