Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Richard Ahiagbah has commended the collective effort that enabled Ghana to overcome initial challenges and successfully host the ongoing African Games.
Despite not having personally visited the venues for the games, he praised the organisers for the infrastructure developed for the competition.
“We should commend ourselves for having gone through the challenges, that all of us know were at play, and the probability of even not having these games given those challenges. Economic difficulties and all that attended the initial considerations, but somehow we pulled it off, the facilities have been built.
I have not been to any of the venues yet, but accounts from people have been really positive in terms of the infrastructure that has been put in place. So on that score, I think that I also commend ourselves and Ghanaians for going the long haul to have all these investments”.
Mr Ahiagbah said in an interview with Johnnie Hughes on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on March 12.
He acknowledged that concerns may arise as the tournament progresses, but emphasized the necessity of appreciating the efforts invested in the project.
“I think that we should also appreciate that, in the nature of it…these things are bound to happen,” he stated.
Mr Ahiagbah also addressed the Minister’s response to recent controversies, stating, “If I were standing in for the Minister, I would appreciate the difficulty and indicate my apology or our collective apology, but, what I would do more than an apology is to reassure.”
He emphasized the importance of not just apologizing but also ensuring that measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future. “Apology is necessary but going forward, what will you do to ensure this does not occur?” he questioned.
Regarding the controversial remarks made in response to the “Fix the Country” campaign, Ahiagbah clarified the party’s stance, asserting that such statements were not officially sanctioned.
He emphasized the distinction between individual opinions and party positions.
“As a party, as a government, we didn’t cover that position to tell anybody to fix themselves. We didn’t say that. So that must be your record. A party like New Patriotic Party, form the government led by his excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Dr. Bawumia, if you want to attribute something to us, it should be formal and mainstream” he said.
By Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi