The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has responded to comments made by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa South, Samuel Attah Akyea, suggesting that former President John Mahama abuses alcohol.
At a rally on Wednesday, August 28, the MP said, “Ghana is fortunate to have an economist [Bawumia] who is composed, knowledgeable, and abstains from alcohol. We are truly blessed. Ghana is on the verge of having a President with wisdom, a leader who is astute and refrains from drinking alcohol.”
The NDC claims this comment implies that the party’s flagbearer is an alcoholic. In response, the opposition, in a press statement dated Thursday, August 29, demanded that the lawmaker retract his comment and issue an apology to Mr. Mahama.
The party also described the MP’s comment as “baseless and unfortunate”, expressing disappointment that such a remark was made by a senior member of the New Patriotic Party.
Read the full press release below
“The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken note of the unfortunate and baseless remarks made by Hon Samuel Atta Akyea, Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South Constituency, during a mini-rally held on 28th August 2024. Hon Atta Akyea, in his address, made a reckless and unfounded allegation suggesting that the NDC’s Flagbearer, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, is a drunkard and an alcoholic.
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 comments not only undermine the decency of political discourse but also expose the desperation of the NPP in the face of an imminent electoral defeat. It is deeply regrettable that instead of focusing on issues that matter to the Ghanaian people, the NPP has resorted to personal attacks and character assassination.
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.
The NDC wishes to assure the good people of Ghana that we remain committed to a campaign of ideas and solutions. We call on the leadership of the NPP to rein in their members and focus on a clean and respectful campaign that addresses the concerns of the Ghanaian electorate.”