Source: newsthemegh.com
Senior National Democratic Congressman (NDC) member Kwesi Ahwoi has apologized for a contentious remark he made last Thursday at a gathering hosted by the Church Street group of NDC supporters.
The remark in question compared the late President John Evans Atta Mills to John Mahama and implied that he might not complete his four-year term if he were to win the general elections in 2024.
Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Mahama’s running mate, ought to then get ready to succeed him.
Ahwoi apologized in a statement for giving the erroneous impression that his remark had caused, stressing that it was never his intention to imply that Mahama would not serve out his entire term.
Despite the fact that some of the complaints were based on an incorrect interpretation of his statement, he acknowledged that he had misspoken at the time and accepted the criticisms.
Ahwoi also pointed out that in her reply to his toast, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang explained the misunderstanding her remarks had created and reiterated her belief that Mahama will be elected in 2024 and serve out his entire term.
Ahwoi urged for unity behind their flag-bearer, John Dramani Mahama, in the upcoming elections scheduled for December 2024, even as he conveyed his heartfelt apologies to Mahama, Opoku-Agyemang, and the NDC leadership and members.
“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 faithfuls 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,” statement said.
At the gathering, Ahwoi’s opening remark—which contrasted Mahama’s possible destiny with that of the late President Mills—caused controversy.
The comments surprised a lot of people, including Kofi Totobi Quakyi, a well-known Churchstreet group member, who left the celebration in the middle.
Guests expressed alarm about Ahwoi’s insensitive remarks, especially since Kofi Mills, the late President Mills’ son, and Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Mahama’s niece and spokesman, were in attendance.
On social media, there has been conjecture on Mahama’s health and sudden succession, same with President Mills’s death in 2012.
The Ahwoi brothers, well-known for their clout in the NDC, had a big impact on President Mills’ political trajectory.
Within the party, its Church Street office has traditionally been seen as a center of authority.
The Ahwoi brothers are said to have supported Opoku-Agyemang’s nomination, which has been seen as a resurgence and expansion of their power.
She was chosen as the NDC’s running partner in 2024, however questions have been raised regarding her age and apparent lack of desire.
Ahwoi’s remark has triggered talks about succession within the NDC, raising questions about who would succeed Mahama as the party gets ready for the elections in December 2024.