Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa has apologized to Ghanaians over some divisive comments he made during his meeting with TESCON, the tertiary students' wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mr. George Ayisi-Boateng, addressing TESCON members at the Kumasi Technical University over the weekend stated emphatically that he will use his capacity as High Commissioner to favor only members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Although being appointed to represent the entire nation at South Africa, the High Commissioner noted that NPP members are his top priority.
“This government is doing its best to create job opportunities, and me for instance, I told my people over there [that] it is because of NPP that I’m here so the NPP man is my priority. I told them when NDC was in power, it was Kwesi Ahwoi who was there, now we are in power, so Ayisi-Boateng is here with you. My topmost priority is the problems of an NPP person before any other Ghanaian, take it or leave it…
“Indeed, I’m not boasting but I’ve started meeting the NPP groups. Every weekend, I meet some group members and I tell you if I had my way, every job opportunity that will come will go to a TESCON member before any other person. And I know my colleague appointees also have the same feeling except that, because of IMF, we cannot do anything now…” he said.
Though he had initially defended his comments and refused to bow to critics calling on him to render an unqualified apology to the nation or risk losing his appointment, Mr. Ayisi-Boateng has now decided to give in to the numerous calls for him to pay the price over his disparaging remarks.
In a statement purported to be coming from and signed by the High Commissioner, which Peacefmonline.com has chanced upon; Mr. Ayisi-Boateng noted that "I have, upon sober reflection, decided to retract the comments I made during my interaction with some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the weekend.
"I have realised that my statement is unfortunate and at variance with the letter and spirit of the Ghanaian constitution and the dignified office of the High Commissioner that I occupy. I am aware that as the representative of Ghana to South Africa, I have a responsibility to protect the interest of all Ghanaians within my jurisdiction and to grant them equal access to opportunities that are presented, irrespective of their political affiliation".
Mr. Ayisi-Boateng further expressed regrets that "the effect of my speech delivered to the young party members which has generated public outcry" and therefore "wish to retract my comments and render an unqualified apology to the Presidency and all Ghanaians".
Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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This apology is usuless. The man must be sacked, irrespective of the so-called apology he has rendered. Whatever he was thinking is what he spewed out, and therefore the apology cannot change his mindset. He MUST go.
Where is the TESCON guys, always following blindly, u see ur faces the man has come out to apologize wether from the heart or not, bow ur heads in shame n support him on dis as well. Guys lemme tell u somfin being in the university doesn't make u wise in any case u guys are rather buying knowledge but not wisdom after all the knowledge without wisdom......... wrong is wrong n right is right, wisdom will teach u dat not knowledge, ask for wisdom we don't sell.
he must still be sacked. irresponsible statements shd not be encouraged.
No matter the apology this man MUST be shown the exit immediately though I am a die hard NPP member to teach some lessons to political appointees. He can not perform this duty to the satisfaction of all Ghanaians in SA after conceiving disgusting idea. Again he didn't show any remorse when asked about it the first time so who forced him this time.AYISI BOATENG MUST GO period
Not all npp members made Nana prez ,some from NDC,CPP,PPP CPP etc so is not good for u to make such comments, South Africa of all places so if there is xenophobic and am not NPP I must die .you you did not speak well at all,if you help 1000 of other political party members you win about 300 of them to your party
Thank you for the apology. Accepted. Now we are waiting for the sack. Nana When?
He is apologizing to save his job. I wont be surprised if Nana Addo himself wrote this apology letter for him.
Fire this clowned-***barred word***. What an ***barred word***-wipe...this goes to show that old age does not necessarily mean wisdom. KWASHIA BUUULUUUUU!
Better,go and sin no more
I knew this was going to come. They always do. First they refuse to retract, adamant to apologize and then try to defend. Condemnation from sympathy journalist, Kwaku Baako and some surrogate civil societies. Then there is a "close door" meeting with the president and party heirachy to analyze the situation as well as the personality involve. "This one is a big fish in the mess" so he should apologize and continue to be the High Commissioner.