Failure To Condemn Dan Botwe’s Abusive Language Encouraged Dela Edem’s Insults Against Ex-President Kufuor-PV Jantuah

Mr. PV Jantuah, a former presidential staffer, has attributed the recent verbal attacks by Dela Edem on former President John Agyekum Kufuor to the lack of accountability for similar incidents in the past. Speaking on Kessben TV’s Democracy Show, he specifically cited the failure to reprimand Hon. Dan Botwe for his remarks on Peace FM, where Botwe allegedly described former President John Mahama as the “most useless president.”

Jantuah argued that if Botwe’s comments had been addressed appropriately at the time, it would have served as a deterrent to others, including Dela Edem. He emphasized the importance of maintaining respect for the elderly in society, regardless of political differences, and called on Ghanaians to consistently condemn abusive language and disrespectful behavior, no matter the circumstances.

Dela Edem, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Communications Team and a campaign aide to former President Mahama, recently sparked outrage with comments made on an NDC-affiliated TV station. In his remarks, Edem accused former President Kufuor of “evil deeds” during his tenure, even linking Kufuor’s current wheelchair confinement to his alleged actions.

“We all witnessed your bad governance, so don’t think we have forgotten,” Edem said. “Your evil deeds have now confined you to a wheelchair.”

These comments came in response to former President Kufuor’s public endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate. Kufuor had described Bawumia as the ideal leader to guide Ghana forward, praising his consistent focus on digitalization and economic transformation.

He urged Ghanaians to recognize Bawumia as “the man of the moment” and “a man of destiny.”
Unhappy with Kufuor’s endorsement, Dela Edem launched into an angry speech of criticism, accusing the former president of corruption, including amassing wealth through the redenomination of Ghana’s currency.

PV Jantuah strongly condemned Edem’s comments, stating that personal attacks of this nature are unacceptable and should never be tolerated. He reiterated the need for decisive action to address abusive language in the political sphere, urging leaders and citizens alike to uphold respect and dignity in public discourse.

Story by: Juliet Ayiih