The Former General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Kwadwo Osei Afriyie popularly called Sir John has stated that the ‘Simpa panyin’ comment made by the party’s presidential nominee describing President Mahama has been misconstrued by chiefs of Simpa.

Nana Addo described the President as a ‘Simpa panyin’ for exhibiting irresponsible leadership but the chiefs in Simpa are calling on him to render an unqualified apology describing the comment ‘derogatory’.

But speaking on Abusua FM’s Abusua Nkommo hosted by Kwame Adinkrah, Sir John explained that it is a proverbial comment most Ghanaians use in their conversations questioning why the traditional leaders have taken Nana Addo’s comment out of context.

The Former General Secretary indicated that the comment is not insulting as perceived by the traditional leaders.

He apologised on behalf of Nana Addo pleading with the chiefs not to drag the issue as the country goes to the polls adding that majority of their supporters hail from Simpa and its surrounding communities.

‘It is not true that the statement is insulting, Nana Addo didn’t insult the chiefs. It is a proverbial statement used by most people, our grandfathers have been using it since. Its not an insult.

Excuse me to say, Nana Addo’s comment has been misconstrued by the chiefs. We are sorry, I on behalf of Nana Addo apologise to the chiefs, we hope they forgive us, we are in election year it won’t be proper for them to meddle in partisan politics.

Nana Addo will never speak against chiefs, he knows customs and will not abuse it, Nana Addo is a royal, he respects people. I am sure Northern chiefs are not happy with President Mahama being tribalistic,’ he said.