‘No apology would be issued’, NPP Youth Wing defends Atta Akyea’s remarks on Mahama

The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has thrown its weight behind Samuel Atta Akyea, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, following his controversial comment labeling former President John Dramani Mahama as a “drunkard.”

The remark, which sparked outrage within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led to a demand for an apology. However, the NPP Youth Wing, led by National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha, has firmly rejected any call for retraction, standing by Atta Akyea’s statement.

In a press release dated August 30, 2024, the Youth Wing criticised the NDC for what it described as hypocrisy, pointing to instances where NDC officials made derogatory comments about NPP figures without facing similar demands for apologies.

They highlighted comments from General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey and National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah as examples of the NDC’s double standards.

The NPP further noted that the label of “drunkard” was originally attributed to Mahama by Dr Kwabena Duffour, a prominent NDC member, during the party’s presidential primaries, and questioned why no apology was demanded in that instance.

The Youth Wing highlighted its commitment to defending the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, against any NDC attacks, warning that they would respond “fire for fire.”

They also called for fairness in political discourse and reminded all parties that discussions should be conducted with integrity, rather than descending into partisan attacks.