A leading member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kwesi Ahwoi has rendered an unqualified apology to the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, and his running mate, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, over his comments in a viral video.
Proposing a toast to Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at an event in Accra following her selection as running mate, Kwesi Ahwoi, stated confidently that she would be the first female vice-president of Ghana.
He continued to urge her to ready herself to become president, since “anything can happen”, as, indeed, it did with the passing of Professor Evans Atta-Mills, which allowed Vice-President John Mahama to take over and be sworn in to finish Mills’s unexpired term in 2012.
“John Mahama was not ready to be president at the time but nature schemed things in such a way that President Mills had to give way to John Mahama.
“Anything can happen – so, Naana, be ever prepared, as your motto says. Anything thing can happen and you can become the President of the Republic of Ghana,” Kwesi Ahwoi said, in a video that has since gone viral.
But his comments may be innocuos, have irked some NDC members who understood it to mean that he does not wish Mahama to end a possible four-year term.
Following the backlash, Mr Ahwoi on Sunday, March 24, 2024 clarified in a statement that he does not wish former President any harm.
He expressed regret over the misunderstanding his comments have caused.
“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.
“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.”
He urged the party’s rank and file to leave the regretable episode in the past and support Mr. Mahama in the upcoming 2024 elections.
“Comrades and friends, let us put this unfortunate incident behind us and unite behind our flagbearer, the visionary Nation Builder, to rescue our beloved country in the December 2024 elections.”
Below is the full statement by Kwesi Ahwoi
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 faithful 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 Ahwo
Source: Kasapafmonline.com
