Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has hit back at the Young Patriots, an off-shot wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing them as “political toddlers” and not “patriots” for making spurious allegations about the health of President John Evans Atta Mills.

To him, patriots do not pass such comments.

Clearly riled by the posture of the youth wing of the NPP and allegations they bandied about regarding the health of President Mills at a press conference on Thursday, Sept 8th, he strongly posited that such unsubstantiated allegations should not be countenanced.

The Young Patriots, at the said press conference, challenged President Mills to clarify matters relating to his health as exposed by the latest leaked diplomatic cables from Wikileaks. According to the group, Wikileaks exposé must not be discounted by the members of the NDC government and the public, adding that they have a tape recording to prove that President Mills is indeed suffering from throat cancer out of excessive drinking and smoking.

The group further claims that the effects of the throat cancer have resulted in President Mills’ impaired sight.

A member of the Young Patriots, Hopeson Adoryeh also alleged that the state spends over $5 million annually to treat the allegedly cancer-ridden President Mills.

But speaking in an interview on Citi FM, Mr. Elvis Afriyie expressed disgust at the claims saying; “…I think somebody should tell these young toddlers; they are not young patriots, they are young political toddlers…pretending to understand…”

He has therefore cautioned the leadership of the NPP to call the young patriots to order since their allegations are “preposterous”.