In a widely circulated video, Dela Edem, speaking on TV XYZ, made disparaging remarks, including calling President Kufuor “evil” and attributing his health condition to a curse.

The comments have sparked outrage among the rank and file and have been condemned.

In a statement signed by Secretary- Concerned Ghanaian Youth, UK, Ekow Emil, the group said they are shocked and heartbroken with the gross disrespect shown.

“The irresponsible, distasteful, most absurd and disrespectful comments made by the two NDC party executives, Dela Edem and Samuel Hantor regarding the former President’s mobility challenges are unacceptable and must be condemned by all well meaning youths of our country Ghana,” the statement said.

It added that this behaviour towards people with disabilities is unethical and against our constitution.

“The insults towards former President Kuffour does not only affect his personality but also the country he lead and especially the good moral values true Ghanaians are known for. Any true, well cultured Ghanaian would not make such statements about such a distinguished statesman in the person of His Excellency Former President John Agyekum Kufuor,” it added.

“It noted, “As youths we are alarmed by the continuous insults on elderly people especially from the Leadership of the NDC party who should know better. It is very concerning that no Senior Official in the party has publicly condemned their conduct after the insulting statements were made.

“If this is the kind of standard NDC intends to lead the country then there is no hope for the sanity of our beautiful country we love and always want to return to.”

It continued, “Statements about policies and points can be made without insulting the elderly and disabled who have served our country substantially, especially former President John Agyekum Kufuor.”

The group has admonished that as youth learning to safeguard and protect the great values of our beautiful country left by our forefathers, we strongly object the uncivilised conduct and call on all well meaning Ghanaians to condemn these actions and reject such characters who seek leadership roles.

“Leadership without discipline is a disaster and the entire NDC party must be rejected until they show quality leadership attitudes befitting Ghana.

“Again we call all youth, Pastors, Imams, Teachers, Headteachers, Lawyers, Doctors, Engineers, Nurses, Farmers, Tailors, Drivers, Cleaners, Politicians, Accountants, Architects, Marketers, Traders, Artisans, Actors, Musicians and people from all professions because one day anyone of us could be facing mobility challenges and we would not want to be treated in this manner, especially for a man who has sacrificed his life, privacy, family time, ideas, and strengths to serve his nation. We strongly believe had it not been the excessive work load required by his role as the President, he wouldn’t have suffered his current health condition.”

They further appreciated Kufuor for the social interventions implemented during his tenure.

“We the youths in the diaspora appreciate his worthy contributions to the growth of Ghana, with notable policies like NHIS, Free Maternal Care, Kufuor Bus, Jubilee House, Debt Cancellation Program, Lapass Motorway, Tetteh Quashie Interchange, and so many others.

“Sincere, honest and grateful Ghanaians appreciate the former President’s great works and we know God is already blessing him and his future generations. Ghanaians are grateful and Concerned Ghanaian Youths in the UK are grateful.”

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In an interview on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Shatta Wale said Sarkodie painted a bad picture of him when he sat in for a recent interview on ‘Podcast and Chill with MACG’ in South Africa.

Sarkodie told the host, “I have even lost count because my brother Shatta Wale is crazy. He just wakes up and something will happen. I have lost count of what exactly happened, he has done a lot.

“That is somebody that brought energy into our industry as much as we were mad. He insults me for no reason, we will be on the phone today and tomorrow he is up on the radio saying ‘F’ Sark. Sometimes, you don’t understand it, but I think for a moment he brought energy and attention to the industry.”

Reacting to this, Shatta Wale said Sarkodie didn’t put him in a good light on the international platform.

When you talk like that, someone will think Shatta Wale is a mad man. It’s crazy, if he can make a statement like that it looks like he doesn’t know where he is, and he doesn’t know about the job. I can also go about saying ‘nasty’ stuff about him. Do you know what people will think about him?

The On God hitmaker added that, he has on many occasions petitioned Sarkodie for a business synergy, but the latter doesn’t pay mind to him.

I see myself as a businessman and if you make such a statement I don’t get it. I have had plans that I called him. He should say it well that I discussed something with him and since he didn’t make up his mind, he doesn’t give me ears. I just want us to make money together.

According to Shatta Wale, Sarkodie knows he is a top-rated artiste, hence he should know how to project his words when the conversation is about him.

He knows my worth, so you speak about me on an international level like this? That I will just wake up to diss you. He said it funnily, but it doesn’t have to be like that. You have to put it across well. He should know how to address certain things. We are growing, and we have to make good money, he said.

Executive Director of the Atta Mills Institute, Koku Anyidoho, has expressed displeasure over what he calls the ‘continuous politics of insults’ amongst members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that is fast gaining acceptance in Ghana’s political landscape.

To the NDC Stalwart and former Deputy General Secretary has, therefore, asked members of his party to endeavour to desist from the culture of insults because it was gradually ruining the party.

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“As a former General Secretary of the NDC and someone whose immense contribution cannot be overlooked, I expect that we stop the insults as a party, enough is enough,” Koku appealed.

“We can criticise but the name-calling must stop,” he told Accra-based Okay FM monitored by Adomonline.com.

According to Mr Anyidoho, party members must be able to demonstrate their love and support for the party by defending the principles for which the forefathers of the party stood for.

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Mr Anyidoho added that he was unfazed by insults hurled at him by some persons for no apparent reason indicating that he is more focused in life than allowing himself to be swayed by those attacks.

“People can resort to calling me names but that doesn’t matter. I will continue to stand for the principles I believe in and want to be remembered for that,” he said.

According to the musician, he has come across an article on the internet describing him as “stupid” and he even enjoys it because that’s what makes him stronger.

“I may not agree with what you say about me but I’ll defend to death your right to say it. No matter how you say it. I came across an article by one Mawuli guy who says I’m stupidly stupid so read some wae””

“I make so much money from being on the internet and social media. I desperately need the attention you give me. Thanks so much and God bless you. Please Keep them coming,” he said.

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