Benjamin Kofi Quashie, the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress’ Council of Elders in South Africa, has expressed his disapproval of President Akufo-Addo’s characterization of NDC members as troublemakers. Quashie labeled the President’s comments as both unfair and unfortunate.
Quashie acknowledged the President’s right to criticize individuals for inappropriate behavior but emphasized the need for fairness in such critiques. He raised concerns about what he perceived as a double standard in the President’s reactions, citing instances where members of the ruling party engaged in unbecoming conduct without similar condemnation.
Highlighting a specific incident involving Kennedy Agyapong, who openly ridiculed a judge, Quashie pointed out that the President remained silent on the matter. He questioned whether there were different standards for individuals based on their political affiliations, stating, “Is it that there are different sets of rules for Ghanaians? That if you’re an NDC person, the president sees you as a troublemaker?”
Quashie criticized the President for what he deemed to be a blatant display of favoritism, stating that such actions were unacceptable and did not befit the leader of a nation. He made these comments in response to President Akufo-Addo’s recent condemnation of NDC supporters involved in a clean-up exercise at the former President’s office, where some supporters were seen brandishing cutlasses.
President Akufo-Addo, in response to the incident, assured the public that under his administration, no individual or group would be allowed to destabilize the country, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining peace.
Quashie concluded by urging leaders to be impartial in their actions, emphasizing that selective criticism undermines the credibility of the leader. He stated, “If you pick and choose, people don’t take your issues seriously.”