You Must Retract Reckless “Kenkey and Pepper” Comment – Ga/Dangmes to Mahama
The Ga Dangme Community has condemned John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over his reckless and divisive comments about the Ga People, describing them as visionless chaps who only love eating Kenkey and Fish.
The group says such derogatory language has no place in the society, especially from someone aspiring to lead the nation.
READ FULL STATEMENT
PRESS STATEMENT: CALL FOR IMMEDIATE RETRACTION AND APOLOGY TO THE PEOPLE OF GA/DAGME.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
1. Today, we stand united in outrage and solidarity, condemning former President John Dramani Mahama’s reckless and divisive remarks about the proud Ga/Dangme people. Such language has no place in our society, especially from someone aspiring to lead this nation.
2. The derogatory statements hurled at the Ga/Dangmes are not only disrespectful but also malicious, designed to fuel prejudice and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. We remind Mahama that every community, tribe, and ethnic group deserves respect, dignity, and equality.
3. In his desperate attempt to win power, Mahama has resorted to denigrating the poor Ghanaian people instead of empowering them through policies. We, one of the few ethnic groups that supported his party, have little to show for our loyalty. After almost six years as President, we cannot point to any significant development in our communities.
4. Mahama’s claims that we only think of “Kenkey and pepper” are not only insulting but also ignorant of the Ga/Dangme people’s rich history, culture, and aspirations. Our youth strive to improve their society and compete globally, producing notable individuals like Dr. Nii Ashitey Trebi Ollenu, a renowned space engineer; Dr. Felix Konotey-Ahulu, a leading expert on Sickle cell; Nii Narku Quaynor, Africa’s Father of the internet; and Herman Chinery-Hesse, a pioneering software entrepreneur.
5. Undermining the contributions and heritage of Ga/Dagmes insults the nation’s fabric, reflecting poorly on Mahama’s candidacy and the entire political process. We demand an immediate, unequivocal retraction of these repugnant comments and a public apology to the Ga/Dagme people. Mahama must take full responsibility for the harm caused and demonstrate genuine remorse.
6. To Mahama, this is not a suggestion—it’s a demand. The time for exploiting people’s identities and intelligence for political gain is over. We will not stand by while entire communities are demeaned.
7. We call on the public, civil society organizations, and citizens of conscience to condemn these actions strongly. Let this serve as a reminder that no one is above accountability, and every citizen deserves respect regardless of tribe or background.
Thank you.
Nii Clottey
Spokesperson
Concerned Ga/Dangme Youth of Chorkor
0277199003
0547095116