Former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan, has criticised the 2024 presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, over what he described as derogatory comments against the Ga-Adangme people.

According to Kwamena Duncan, Mahama’s comment on "Ga-digitalization" was unwarranted and disrespectful to the Ga community.

Speaking on a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo on October 23, 2024, he cautioned Mahama to be mindful of his statements, warning that such utterances could provoke sections of the public.

“If you fail to tame your lips as a former president, you risk upsetting everyone,” he said.

He continued, “You have benefitted from the support of chiefs and pastors, but if others receive the same treatment, it seems to provoke you.

“The whole of the greater Accra community, this is the perception that you have for them, is this…that means the Gas don’t know anything and they don’t need digitalization to progress in their life but all that they need is their Ga kenkey and fish.

“Amazing, a former president on a platform speaking to Gas, that they don’t need digitalization and that digitalization won't do anything for them.,” he said.

The former President, during an interaction with NDC supporters in the Ablekuma South Constituency as part of his tour of the Greater Accra region to canvass for votes, said he has failed to fathom why the Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, would want to implement digitization nationwide when not all Ghanaians need that policy in this age.

He is quoted as saying that Gas and Dangmes need only kenkey and fish to survive, and not the digitization being preached by Dr. Bawumia.

“They will digitalize the kenkey. Does that mean you will eat digitization? But I know, by the grace of God, we will not eat digital kenkey. We eat real kenkey and fried fish,” he said at the rally at Chorkor Extra O.

This comment has not sat well with Ga youth, who insist that Gas and Dangmes are disappointed in the former Ghanaian leader for displaying a high level of immaturity.

The spokesperson for the Concerned Ga-Dangme Youth, Daniel Tetteh, at a press conference in Accra, said Mahama's comments suggest that the owners of the capital city don’t require any level of development, but just food. He therefore demanded a retraction and apology from the former President.

“This derogatory statement is not only disrespectful but malicious in nature, designed to inflame, prejudice, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. We remind former President John Dramani Mahama that every community, tribe, and ethnic group in this country deserves respect, dignity, and equality…,” he said.

Tetteh continued that he is still seeking to understand why a former leader, who has benefitted greatly from the votes of Gas since 2012 when he first contested as President, would conclude that all Gas need is kenkey and fish and not development.

“What informed your thoughts to conclude that Gas do not need any form of development but only think about their stomachs? How and what do you take Gas for? What exactly did you do as President for Gas during your tenure in office? What is your plan for Gas in your current manifesto," he asked the former president.

The livid youth said they are disappointed that the ex-Ghanaian leader, who cannot boast of advancing development in the Greater Accra Region, would want to add insult to injury by denigrating them.

“We are by this presser giving you, John Mahama, one week to retract the statement and render an unqualified apology to the entire Ga-Dangme community. If you have nothing to do for us, do not add salt to our injuries by insulting us. It is obvious that you take Gas for granted because the Bible says, ‘Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.’ We will consider this as Gas and vote accordingly,” he demanded.



AM/KA

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