Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa hot over ‘discriminatory’ comments

Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, George Ayisi-Boateng’s statement that his topmost priority in South Africa is to help solve the problems of members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) before any other Ghanaian, has sparked widespread public outrage with many calling for his immediate dismissal should he not see the need to resign.

While addressing some members of the Tertiary Students’ Confederacy Network (TESCON) at a ceremony to usher in fresh students of Kumasi Technical University into the network over the weekend, Mr Ayisi-Boateng said he prioritizes members of his party and its student wing in his dealings in South Africa.

“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” he said.

“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…,” the diplomat added.

Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who doubles as Minority Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs has described the comments as reprehensible, unacceptable and has subsequently served a notice to the President to sack Mr. Ayisi-Boateng immediately.

He avers that the comment is discriminatory and undeserving of a government appointee whose duty is to remain fair in the discharge of his duty.

“[I] Don't remember when I ever heard a top diplomat speak of his own nationals who pay him with their taxes with such contempt at a public forum before university students who would have gone to listen to a possible role model to be inspired and to be better citizens. Without a doubt, H.E Ayisi Boateng's comments are worse than that of Hon. William Quaitoo - the Deputy Agric Minister who resigned a while ago for tribal bigotry. This dangerous envoy must jump or be pushed,” his Facebook post read.

Here are some other reactions

I'm disappointed that 24 hrs after Ayisi Boateng's comments were published, no comment has come from the presidency-@RichardDelaSky #CitiCBS

— #StopGalamseyNow (@Citi973) October 31, 2017

Such reckless and Unguarded comments is the reason, some Party folks can carry out such lawlessness. Ayisi Boateng has to be sacked#CitiCBS

— lackie (@lackiesmalz) October 31, 2017

"Mr" George Ayisi Boateng must resign. How different are his utterances from racist comments or the xenophobic attacks in S.A? #CitiCBS

— Farida Shaibu (@faridaShaibu) October 31, 2017

@RichardDelaSky is spot on, w@ Ayisi Boateng has done is a total breach of da constitution and he must be removed immediately#CitiCBS

— lackie (@lackiesmalz) October 31, 2017

@KojoAB I'm just speechless and the things I want to say to Mr Ayisi Boateng can't fit in this tweet. Simply, he must be fired. #CitiCBS

— Benarsen (@benarsen1886) October 31, 2017

George Ayisi Boateng is still at post? The deafening silence of the NPP is tantamount to an endorsement of this shameful statement. #CitiCBS

— Fred Amese (@fredamese) October 31, 2017