Former Central Regional Minister Kwamena Duncan has publicly condemned former President John Dramani Mahama for remarks he made that were perceived as derogatory towards the Ga people of Ghana. Mahama, while campaigning, questioned the significance of digitalisation initiatives proposed by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, specifically targeting their relevance to the Ga community. He mockingly suggested that the government’s digital efforts were trivial, asking rhetorically if those initiatives would transform traditional food items like kenkey— a staple dish made from fermented corn—into digital forms, a comment Duncan found to be not only dismissive but deeply insulting.
Duncan voiced his concerns during an appearance on the popular morning radio talk show, Kokrokoo, aired on Peace FM. He expressed profound disappointment with Mahama’s comments, arguing they display a lack of respect for the Ga people and their needs. He emphasized that such statements from a figure like Mahama, who has previously held the highest office in the country, reflect a troubling disregard for the aspirations and challenges faced by the Ga community. Duncan’s critique highlights the importance of political discourse that is considerate and inclusive, rather than belittling groups of people based on regional or cultural lines.
Further amplifying his condemnation, Duncan contended that Mahama’s remarks contribute to divisive narratives within the country. He underscored that the suggestion Ga people are only concerned with basic food items such as kenkey and fried fish overlooks the broader socio-economic realities faced by many in the community. By reducing their needs to traditional staples, Mahama, according to Duncan, dismisses the potential value and impact of technological advancements that could enhance livelihoods and improve access to services, which are crucial in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Duncan implored leaders, especially former heads of state like Mahama, to engage in more thoughtful and constructive storytelling that uplifts rather than diminishes the voices and experiences of various ethnic groups in Ghana. He asserted that leaders should be role models, fostering unity and understanding rather than perpetuating stereotypes or feeding into cultural biases. The Ga people, like all Ghanaians, deserve to be recognized for their diverse needs, aspirations, and contributions to the nation’s development, especially in the context of an increasingly digital world.
The exchange highlights a broader conversation about the inclusivity of policy discussions in Ghana, especially concerning how different communities perceive and engage with initiatives such as digitalisation. As the country moves towards integrating technology within various sectors, it is vital for political discourse to acknowledge the diverse perspectives of all citizens. Duncan’s response indicates a call to action for politicians to lead with empathy and awareness, recognizing the value of cultural identities in the nation-building process.
In conclusion, Kwamena Duncan’s criticism of Mahama serves as a reminder of the responsibility leaders hold in shaping public perception and discourse. It emphasizes the importance of respectful communication and the need to prioritize inclusive dialogues that honor the complexity and richness of Ghana’s cultural landscape. As the nation aspires toward technological advancement, the voices of all communities, including the Ga, must be uplifted to ensure that development strategies are not only comprehensive but also sensitive to the needs of every citizen.
