President Nana Akufo-Addo has apologised to diasporans on behalf of his Deputy Minister of Trade and Industries, Robert Ahomka-Lindsay for asking Ghanaians abroad who want to return home to do business to “stop whining.”

Mr Ahomka-Lindsay made the comment when addressed the Diaspora Homecoming Summit at the Accra International Conference Centre.

He said: “Nobody likes whiners; people that spend all the time whining really get on people’s nerves, so stop whining.”

Mr Ahomka-Lindsay’s comment has been interpreted by critics as harsh and arrogant.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) had to apologise on his behalf. Mr Ahomka-Lindsay himself issued a statement to explain himself saying he had no intentions of disrespecting the diasporans with his comment.

Addressing journalists at the Flagstaff House on Tuesday, 18 July vis-à-vis his first six months in office, Mr Akufo-Addo said: “To our overseas Ghanaians, let me again apologise for the whining”.

Government is embarking on a drive to integrate resources of diasporans to develop the economy. The Akufo-Addo administration has also created a Diasporan Office at the Presidency to deal with matters relating to Ghanaians living abroad.