The National Soldiers for John Mahama, a staunch support group for the former president and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have vehemently denounced recent media reports alleging that Mrs. Naomi Kwetey, wife of the NDC General Secretary, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, is being considered for a senior role at the Bank of Ghana due to her marital connection. The group, in a strongly worded statement issued by its president, Joshua Sika-Nartey, categorically refuted these allegations, branding them as false, defamatory, and a deliberate attempt to smear Mrs. Kwetey’s reputation. They specifically called out Asaase Radio, Oman FM, and Wontumi FM, demanding an immediate retraction of the stories and a public apology to Mrs. Kwetey. The group warned that a failure to comply would result in “direct action” to protect Mrs. Kwetey’s image and uphold the truth, though the nature of this action remains unspecified. The statement underscores the group’s commitment to combating what they perceive as a politically motivated campaign to discredit prominent figures within the NDC.
At the heart of the group’s rebuttal is a robust defense of Mrs. Kwetey’s professional credentials. They emphasized her extensive experience spanning over two decades in the financial sector, including significant tenures at reputable institutions such as Trust Bank and Ecobank. This, they argue, makes her a highly qualified individual, capable of holding a senior position at the Bank of Ghana based solely on merit. The group meticulously highlighted her career trajectory, implicitly contrasting it with the narrative presented by the accused media outlets, which they claim insinuated that her potential appointment was predicated on her husband’s political standing rather than her own professional qualifications. By showcasing Mrs. Kwetey’s impressive resume, the group aims to dismantle the narrative of nepotism and portray her as a competent professional deserving of recognition based on her own merits.
Furthermore, the National Soldiers for John Mahama explicitly addressed and refuted the insinuation of nepotism, stressing that Mrs. Kwetey has no familial ties to former President John Mahama. This point is crucial in their counter-argument as it dismantles the perceived basis of the allegations – the notion that she is benefiting from political connections. By clarifying her lack of family ties to the former president, the group seeks to isolate her professional standing from the political arena, reinforcing the argument that her potential appointment would be based on merit and not on political favoritism. This strategic move serves to neutralize the core accusation and shift the focus back to Mrs. Kwetey’s professional qualifications and experience.
The statement went beyond simply defending Mrs. Kwetey. It broadened the scope to criticize what they termed the “propaganda machinery” of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). They accused the Akufo-Addo administration of hypocrisy, citing instances where family members and close associates of the president have been appointed to key government positions. This accusation of double standards serves as a counter-offensive, placing the onus back on the ruling party and challenging their perceived moral high ground. The group effectively utilizes this tactic to deflect the initial accusations against Mrs. Kwetey and redirect the conversation towards the broader issue of political appointments and potential conflicts of interest within the current administration.
The National Soldiers for John Mahama’s demand for a retraction and apology is not merely a call for accountability from the media outlets involved but also a strategic move to protect Mrs. Kwetey from further reputational damage. The threatened “direct action” serves as an implicit warning, underscoring the group’s seriousness in pursuing this matter and their determination to defend Mrs. Kwetey’s reputation. While the exact nature of this action remains undefined, it adds weight to their demands and signals their readiness to escalate the situation if necessary. This assertive stance further emphasizes their commitment to combating what they perceive as a targeted campaign of misinformation against the NDC and its affiliates.
Finally, the group’s appeal to the public to disregard politically motivated misinformation and focus on Mrs. Kwetey’s professional accomplishments serves as a broader call for objectivity and discernment. They encourage the public to critically evaluate the information presented and resist the temptation to accept unfounded allegations at face value. This call for critical thinking is crucial in countering the spread of misinformation and ensuring that individuals are judged based on their merits rather than on politically motivated narratives. By advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the situation, the group aims to protect Mrs. Kwetey’s reputation and promote a more informed and fair public discourse.
