Ayisi Boateng’s Apology Insincere, Forced – Ablakwa

The Minority’s Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is unconvinced by the apology from  Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, George Ayisi Boateng, for publicly declaring a bias towards New Patriotic Party (NPP) members in his dealings.

Speaking to Citi News, Mr. Ablakwa suggested that Mr. Ayisi Boateng was coerced into apologizing by his superiors.

Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s apology came almost three days after his initial comments incurred the wrath of Ghanaians.

He also defended his comments saying there was nothing wrong putting his party and its members first.

Some key officials of the NPP, particularly acting Chairman Freddie Blay, had suggested that Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s comments may have been taken out of context.

All this was not lost on Mr. Ablakwa, who said, “even after 48 hours, when he had the opportunity to reflect, he said he had done nothing wrong and he remained proud… From what we hear, he was summoned to the Flagstaff House and he appears to have been compelled to issue this apology letter, which has come late in the day.”

Way forward for Minority

The North Tongu MP, who has been vocal in his condemnation of the High Commissioner’s partisan comments, said the Minority is also going to meet decide on its next course of action.

“We will be meeting [Thursday morning] and we will consider all the circumstances, and we will convey our final decision to the general public,” he stated.

The Minority had held that Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s comments were suicidal, disgraceful and asserted that he be sacked immediately.

It also accused President Nana Akufo-Addo of turning a blind eye to the High Commissioner’s “bigotry.”

The Minority in a statement avowed to use every means possible to have their demands met.

“We will not relent in demanding action on this matter. We have considered our options under the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament, and can indicate our readiness to trigger further processes if Government inertia continues.”

Apologize or be sacked

Mr. Ayisi Boateng’s apology may suffice for some, like pressure group Occupy Ghana, which said he should be sacked only if he failed to apologize.

A retired diplomat, K.B. Asante was also more reconciliatory in his comments on the matter suggesting that Mr. Ayisi Boateng be given the opportunity to learn from his mistakes, however senseless it was.

Source: Citifmonline