Kwabena Duffour Originated the Mahama Drunkard Tag- NPP
The New Patriotic Party youth wing has kicked against demands for the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South Constituency, Samuel Atta Akyea to apologise for calling the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, a drunkard.
According to them, the originator of the statement is Dr Kwabena Duffour, a senior member of their party.
“The tag on John Dramani Mahama as a drunk, did not come from the NPP but from the NDC. Its top brass, Dr. Kwabena Duffour was the one who told the NDC delegates not to vote for John Dramani Mahama in their presidential primaries and that he had a serious and chronic alcohol addiction problem.”
In a press statement on August 30, 2024, the National Youth Organiser of NPP, Salam Mustapha asserted that the fact that Dr Duffour was not forced to withdraw meant it holds true and therefore their position against any apology by Hon Atta Akyea.
“Dr. Duffour has since not withdrawn those words nor apologized. Therefore, Hon. Samuel Atta Akye spoke nothing but the truth in line with this revelation from a top NDC member and so why should he apologize?”
Apology
Hon Atta Akyea is said to have made the statement during a mini-rally on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
The NDC in a press statement took a swipe him, stating that the path of politicking the senior politician has taken is below the belt.
“The NDC is appalled by this descent into the gutter by a senior member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who should know better. Such comment not only undermines the descent of political discourse but also exposes the desperation of the NPP in the face of an imminent electoral defeat,” the General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey said in the statement.
Contrary to the claim, the chief scribe of the largest opposition party noted that the former President is not a drunkard and demanded a retraction by the politician.
“For the record, H.E. John Dramani Mahama is not a drunkard. He is a distinguished statesman whose commitment to the well-being and progress of Ghana is unquestionable. His track record in public service and his enduring leadership qualities speak for themselves.”
“We demand an immediate retraction and apology from Hon Atta Akyea for his unprovoked attack on the person of H.E. John Dramani Mahama. Failure to do so will leave the NDC with no choice but to explore all available avenues to defend the integrity and reputation of our Flagbearer.”