George Ayisi-Boateng, Ghana
Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, George Ayisi-Boateng has retracted and apologised for saying his topmost priority is to seek the welfare of members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) since in his view, they are “more Ghanaian than other Ghanaians”.
There have been widespread condemnation of Mr Ayisi-Boateng’s comment from the Minority in parliament as well as civil society groups and the clergy with many calling on the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to sack him from office.
Mr Ayisi-Boateng had earlier defended his statement but he ate back his words on Wednesday, 1 November describing his own comments as unfortunate.
Below is his apology:
RETRACTION OF PARTISAN COMMENTS AND SUBMISSION OF UNQUALIFIED APOLOGY TO THE GHANAIAN POPULACE
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.
I, therefore, wish to retract my comments and render an unqualified apology to the Presidency and all Ghanaians.
Signed
George Ayisi-Boateng
Wednesday 1 November, 2017
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