Former Agriculture Minister, Kwesi Ahowi has apologized to the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama for his unfortunate comments at a reception for Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
At a gathering of NDC faithful, Mr Ahwoi admonished Prof Jane Naana to be prepared to become president of Ghana because anything can happen.
According to him, John Mahama was not prepared to be President but nature made it happen, citing the death of late former President Atta-Mills.
“John Mahama wasn’t prepared for the presidency but nature skewed things in such a way that President Mills had to give way to John Mahama.
“Anything can happen so Naana, always be prepared, as your motto says . Be ready, anything can happen and you ca become the president of Ghana,” he said in the video which has gone viral.
But in his statement released Sunday, March 24, 2024, Kwesi Ahwoi expressed regret over the misunderstanding caused by his comments, emphasizing that it was never his intention to imply any doubt regarding Mahama’s potential presidency.
He clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he fully supports Mahama’s candidacy for the upcoming 2024 general elections.
“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,” Mr. Ahowi stated in a statement.
Kwesi Ahwoi's apology below
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.
Indeed, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang in response to my toast, pointed out the erroneous impression created by my statement and was categorical in asserting that she was certain that H.E. John Mahama will win the 2024 general elections and serve his full four-year term.
It is unfortunate that my statement appears to have taken the shine off what was otherwise a cheerful and light-hearted occasion.
I hereby render an unreserved and unqualified apology to H.E. John Dramani Mahama, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the leadership and rank and file of the great NDC.
Comrades and friends, let us put this unfortunate incident behind us and unite behind our flag-bearer, the visionary Nation Builder, to rescue our beloved country in the December 2024 elections.SIGNED.
Kwesi Ahwoi