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A group calling itself Concern Citizens of Akyem has taken to the streets to demonstrate against former President John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for allegedly describing them as ‘Akyem Sakawa Mafias’.
The group, made up of the chiefs and residents of Akyem Abuakwa, Kotoku and Bosome, all in the Eastern Region, are demanding an apology from the NDC standard-bearer.
Dressed in red and black, the residents, numbering more than 200, hold up numerous posters with various inscriptions.
The rally follows claims by President Akufo-Addo that his predecessor, Mr. Mahama, had endorsed a post by Bolgatanga Central MP Isaac Adongo, describing people in his government as ‘Akyem Sakawa Mafias’ who are looting the state.
President Akufo-Addo, along with his vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, subsequently asked the former president to apologize for the comment.
But responding to the PNP standard-bearer, Mahama said that President Akufo-Addo’s attempts to campaign on ethnic grounds accusing him of insulting the people of the Akyem tribe will not wash away.
He defended the position arguing that President Akufo-Addo has been engaging in insults since he was in the opposition and therefore should not be offended by being on the receiving end when in power.
NDC has also come to defend the former president’s statements and refused to apologize on behalf of John Mahama.
NDC Undersecretary General Peter Boamah Otokunor, speaking to JoyNews, said members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (PNP) have taken the words of the office out of context.
He explained that the label was related to a selected group of people in the government and not to all members of the Akyem ethnic group.
