The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed disapproval over comments made by one of its members, Dela Edem, against former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
The controversy stems from a viral video in which Dela Edem, a member of the NDC’s communications team, made offensive comments suggesting that Mr. Kufuor’s use of a wheelchair was due to a curse.
In a press statement released on November 17, 2024, the party described the remarks as “unsavoury and distasteful” but acknowledged that Edem has since retracted the comments and issued an unqualified apology.
The NDC extended its own apology to the former President, emphasizing its respect for the elderly and statesmen in Ghanaian society.
The party urged its communicators to focus on promoting the policies of its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, ahead of the December 7 elections.
The statement also warned the media against the dissemination of fake news, which it attributed to operatives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“Having said this, the NDC wishes to caution the media to be on high alert for purveyors of fake news. It has become the modus operandi of some functionaries and hirelings of the New Patriotic Party to manufacture and disseminate fake news and malicious publications calculated to mislead the Ghanaian public.”
For Immediate Release
17th November, 2024
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 Kufour.
The said comments are unsavoury and distasteful. It is therefore refreshing to note that our comrade in question has duly retracted his statements and rendered an unqualified apology to the elderly statesman (find attached).
The NDC adds its voice to the apology that has been rendered and hopes that this retraction and apology brings closure to the matter.
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 7th, 2024.
Having said this, the NDC wishes to caution the media to be on high alert for purveyors of fake news. It has become the modus operandi of some functionaries and hirelings of the New Patriotic Party to manufacture and disseminate fake news and malicious publications calculated to mislead the Ghanaian public.
As the elections are fast approaching, these unscrupulous NPP operatives have heightened their mischievous activities. Such persons some of whom are known NPP communicators and Presidential
Staffers must be called out by the media and made to face the full rigours of the law.
SIGNED.
SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ.
(NATIONAL COMMUNICATION OFFICER)
