"I misspoke" – Kwesi Ahwoi apologises to Mahama, NDC for controversial ‘anything can happen’ comment

Former Minister of the Interior, Kwesi Ahwoi has apologised to John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for some comments he made at a reception organised by the Churchstreet group of NDC faithfuls for Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the 2024 Running Mate.

At the reception held last Thursday, Kwesi Ahwoi urged the running mate of John Dramani Mahama to ready herself to take over as President as anything can happen.

In his speech, he cited how late John Evans Atta Mills’ death presented an opportunity for John Dramani Mahama to become President.

“John Mahama was not ready to be president at the time but nature schemed things in such a way that President Mills had to give way to John Mahama. Anything can happen, so Naana, be ever prepared as your motto says, anything can happen and you can become President of the Republic of Ghana,” he said.

The comments by Kwesi Ahwoi did not go down well with some people in the NDC.

Some claim he is wishing John Dramani Mahama death in the event he becomes President in 2025 for Jana Naana Opoku-Agyameng to take over from him.

But in his release, Kwesi Ahwoi said he sincerely regrets the wrong impression that his comment had created.

He noted that it was not his intention to pray that H.E. John Mahama does not serve his full four-year term when he wins the 2024 general elections.

After admitting his mistake he has apologised to John Dramani Mahama and the NDC party.

“I hereby render an unreserved and unqualified apology to H.E. John Dramani Mahama, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the leadership and rank and file of the great NDC.

“Comrades and friends, let us put this unfortunate incident behind us and unite behind our flag-bearer, the visionary Nation Builder, to rescue our beloved country in the December 2024 elections,” Kwesi Ahwoi said.

Below is a copy of his statement:
I have taken notice of the unfortunate controversy that has arisen as a result of a comment I made at a reception organized last Thursday by the Churchstreet group of NDC faithfuls for Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Running Mate to our esteemed flagbearer, H.E. John Dramani Mahama.

*I sincerely regret the wrong impression that my comment has created.* Indeed, it was not my intention, and never will it be my intention to pray that H.E. John Mahama does not serve his full four-year term when he wins the 2024 general elections.

*I concede that I misspoke on the occasion.* I accept the criticisms in good faith, even though some of the criticisms arise out of a deliberate misrepresentation of my statement.

*Indeed, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang in response to my toast, pointed out the erroneous impression created by my statement and was categorical in asserting that she was certain that H.E. John Mahama will win the 2024 general elections and serve his full four-year term.*

It is unfortunate that my statement appears to have taken the shine off what was otherwise a cheerful and light-hearted occasion.

*I hereby render an unreserved and unqualified apology to H.E. John Dramani Mahama, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the leadership and rank and file of the great NDC.*

Comrades and friends, let us put this unfortunate incident behind us and unite behind our flag-bearer, the visionary Nation Builder, to rescue our beloved country in the December 2024 elections.

SIGNED.
Kwesi Ahwoi