Akuffo-Addo’s ‘Bottoms’ Comment Has Been Misconstrued – Boakye Agyarko

Newly-selected Campaign Manager for flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Mr. Boakye Agyarko has defended comments made by Nana Akufo-Addo, which has sparked a lot of criticisms, saying it is unfortunate that some people are reading meanings into the harmless comment made by the NPP Flagbearer.

According to him, it was only a joke Nana Addo used to share with the late Hon. Theresa Amerley Tagoe.

A reference by Nana Akufo-Addo, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), during his tribute to the late Hon. Theresa Amerley Tagoe, the former NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma South Constituency said has stirred concerns among individuals.

Nana Akufo Addo in his tribute to the late Hon. Theresa Amerley Tagoe said, “We met in our youth and became great friends at the University, where predictably she was one of the most vocal spirits in Volta Hall, then the cynosure of all healthy young males at Legon. The ‘Akyem connection’ between us served to heighten our friendship. Much about Theresa Amerley Tagoe was already evident at the time – her courage, her humour, her strong sense of principle and her outspokenness. It was impossible to keep her quiet when she felt passionately about an issue. It was during our time at Legon that, for the rest of her life, I came to call her “Bottoms” as against the more familiar “TT”. The origin of the nickname will continue to remain confidential between us.”

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii sen programme, Mr. Agyarko defended the “Bottoms” comment from Nana Addo describing it as a mere joke for humor. He said it is unfortunate that Ghanaian politics has gotten to the stage where nobody can say anything humorous without meanings being read into it.

According to him, Nana Addo’s comment was on the lighter side and was disappointing to hear people describing his remark as inappropriate.

“Nana Addo said this on a lighter note besides we all have names we call each other on friendly basis. I am on good terms with Kwame Sefa Kayi so if I should die (God forbid) and Kwami is reading a tribute and he mentions my nickname, does that mean heaven should break loose. This was just a joke he used to share with her and that is one of the things he said he will miss about her,” he explained.