The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a public apology to former President John Agyekum Kufuor following comments made by one of its communicators, Dela Edem, which the party described as disrespectful.
In a statement released by its National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, on Sunday, November 17, 2024, the party condemned the remarks as "unsavoury and distasteful." The statement also acknowledged Dela Edem’s apology to the former president and reiterated the party's regret over the incident.
“The attention of the National Communications Bureau of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been drawn to some unfortunate comments attributed to one of its members, Comrade Dela Edem, and directed at the person of former President and elderly statesman, H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor,” the statement read.
The party expressed relief that Dela Edem had retracted his comments and issued an unqualified apology. “The NDC adds its voice to the apology that has been rendered and hopes that this retraction and apology bring closure to the matter,” it added.
The NDC reaffirmed its respect for the elderly and statesmen in Ghana, urging its communicators to focus on issue-based campaigning. “The NDC as a party accords utmost respect to the elderly in our society and honour to our statesmen. The party strongly advises all communicators to remain focused on propagating the transformational policies of the visionary nation-builder, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, and the NDC for a resounding victory on December 7, 2024.”
The controversy stemmed from remarks made by Dela Edem during a program on Accra-based TV XYZ. He criticized former President Kufuor for endorsing Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, making offensive comments about his health and retirement. Despite being urged by the show’s host to retract the comments, Edem initially stood by them.
Following widespread backlash, Dela Edem later issued a statement on social media, apologizing for his words. “I sincerely render an unqualified apology to President Kufuor for the comments I made in reference to his ‘wheelchair.’ Thank you!” he wrote.
The incident has drawn significant public attention, with many commending the NDC for taking a firm stance and prioritizing respect for elder statesmen.
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