KEY POINTS
- Dela Edem’s remarks about Kufuor drew sharp criticism across Ghana.
- Political figures call for respectful dialogue and public accountability.
- The NDC apologized, calling Edem’s comments unsavory and distasteful.
Dela Edem, a communicator for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has come under fire for making offensive remarks about former President John Agyekum Kufuor. His comments, made during a TV appearance, have been widely criticized as disrespectful and inappropriate, leading to backlash from political and public figures across Ghana.
During a panel discussion on Accra-based TV XYZ, Edem responded to Kufuor’s endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia by calling on the former president to “stay in his lane.”
He went on to suggest that Kufuor’s health condition was “payment for his sins” as president. Despite apologizing, Edem’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism and prompted the NDC to distance itself from his statements.
Critics demand accountability
- Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B)
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana B, called Edem’s remarks “despicable” and disrespectful to both Kufuor and Ghanaians as a whole.
“This isn’t just an insult to President Kufuor but to all Ghanaians,” Nana B said. He also urged former President John Mahama to publicly disassociate himself from Edem’s behavior.
2. Koku Anyidoho
Former NDC Deputy General Secretary Koku Anyidoho warned that Edem’s comments could harm Mahama’s reputation and political standing.
Although Edem issued an apology on Facebook, Anyidoho criticized its sincerity, arguing that the apology lacked the same impact as the original televised insult.
“You insulted with your voice; why apologize with a silent Facebook post?” Anyidoho wrote on X.
3. Prof. Smart Sarpong
According to a report by GhanaWeb, Prof. Smart Sarpong, a senior researcher at Kumasi Technical University, called Edem’s remarks “shameful” and said they could hurt the NDC’s image.
“Such comments reflect poorly on the NDC. John Mahama should step in and distance himself from this kind of behavior,” he said.
4. Charles Owusu
Rev. Charles Owusu, former Head of the Forestry Commission’s Monitoring Unit, urged Ghanaians to show respect even when they disagree.
“We can express disagreements without attacking someone’s personality. President Kufuor deserves better,” Owusu said.
NDC apologizes to Kufuor
In a statement released by the NDC’s National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, the party apologized to Kufuor, describing Edem’s comments as “unsavory and distasteful.”
“We regret the hurt caused by these remarks and extend our heartfelt apologies to President Kufuor and anyone else offended,” the statement said.
The incident has sparked conversations about maintaining respect in political discussions. While the apology has been noted, many believe it’s a reminder of the importance of respectful dialogue, especially in Ghana’s heated political landscape.
