Monitor Ayisi Boateng in South Africa – Spio-Garbrah to gov't

Presidential hopeful and former Trade and Industry Minister, Ekwow Spio Garbrah has urged the Foreign Affairs Ministry to closely monitor the work of embattled Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, George Ayisi Boateng after he retracted and rendered an unqualified apology over his divisive comments.

In a statement Wednesday, Mr. Boateng said “I have, upon sober reflection, decided to retract the comments I made during my interaction with some Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region 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 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.

“I regret the effect of my speech delivered to the young party members which has generated public outcry.”

His apology followed his summoning to the Flagstaff House Wednesday afternoon by President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo.

The diplomat in a meeting with New Patriotic Party (NPP) students stated that his main priority is party supporters when it comes to providing jobs.

“The job market is choked and it is highly competitive and this government is doing its best to create job opportunities [but] me for instance I told my people that it is NPP that is why I am in power so NPP man is my priority. “My topmost priority is the problem of an NPP person before any other Ghanaian, take it or leave it and indeed I am not boasting,” Mr. Boateng told members of the NPP student wing, the Tertiary Students’ Confederacy Network (TESCON).

The comment angered most Ghanaians including the Minority who are calling for his head.

But speaking to Bola Ray on Starr Chat on Starr FM, Mr Ekow Spio Garbrah though welcomed Mr Ayisi Boateng’s apology asked government not to take its eyes off the diplomat to ensure that he really discharges his duties devoid of any divisive posture.

“He has made a wrong statement and he’s withdrawn it and actually apologized for it. He should actually change his attitude to ensure that he doesn’t go there and be serving only one portion of the Ghanaian population when it’s the task payers money that is paying for his wonderful residence in Waterkloof , the upscale neighbourhood in Pretoria where he lives. He can be observed and monitored by the Foreign Ministry and the Presidency for sometime so see whether he actually changes behaviour and actions.”