The Member of Parliament for Asante Akim South, Hon. Kwaku Asante-Boateng, has refuted what he described as a “calculated and shameful attempt” to twist comments he made during an interview on Adom TV’s Badwam programme last week.
In a statement issued on Saturday, November 1, the MP said his remarks have been “deliberately misinterpreted” to inject religion and ethnicity into a conversation that was purely about loyalty, sacrifice, and service within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to him, his comments during the interview were based on an analogy drawn from Asante chieftaincy traditions, meant to explain that leadership in the NPP is earned through long-standing commitment and sacrifice, particularly during challenging periods in the party’s history.
He clarified that his reference to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s nomination in 2008 as the party’s running mate was not meant to demean him but to highlight how the NPP entrusted a newcomer to its internal structures with a major leadership role.
“At no point did I use, imply, or endorse such language,” Hon. Asante-Boateng said, rejecting claims that he had referred to Dr. Bawumia as a “slave” in the Party. “The interview is public and available on YouTube for anyone who seeks the truth.”
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The MP further stressed that his comments were contextual and focused solely on Dr. Bawumia’s political journey, not his person, ethnicity, or religion.
Hon. Asante-Boateng also cited several distinguished Northerners who had long served the NPP with dedication, including Hon. Ambrose Dery, Hon. Malik Alhassan Yakubu, Hajia Alima Mahama, Alhaji Mustapha Iddris Ali, Prof. Kassim Kasanga, Ben Salifu, Prince Imoru Andani, Mohamed Salifu, Mogtari Sahanun, Boniface Abubakar Sadique, Boniface Agambila, and M. N. D. Jawula.
He described attempts to portray his remarks as ethnically or religiously biased as “malicious and dangerously divisive.” He also expressed disappointment that respected journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni and others had repeated the allegations without verifying the facts.
The MP further noted that it was “unfortunate” the NPP General Secretary had been misled to issue a statement based on what he called “distortions.”
Hon. Asante-Boateng reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the NPP, urging party members and the public to ignore the “mischievous narratives” being circulated.
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“I will not allow my name or my record to be weaponised to divide the NPP along ethnic or religious lines,” he stated. “We must all reject such narratives that serve the interests of a few while undermining the unity and values of the great Party we have collectively built.”
The MP concluded by reiterating his dedication to the ideals of unity, meritocracy, inclusivity, and progress that define the New Patriotic Party.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
