By Godwin Owusu Frimpong
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, is facing accusations of hypocrisy and double standards after demanding a retraction and apology from a political activist while seemingly failing to apply the same standards to his own recent controversial statements.
The saga began when P.K. Sarpong, an activist associated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), alleged on Facebook that Mr. George had received a Lexus vehicle as a gift, potentially violating President John Dramani Mahama’s Code of Conduct for government appointees. Sarpong claimed the vehicle was unregistered and a “top of the range Lexus,” insinuating it was a gift designed to create a conflict of interest and thus contravened the Presidents code of conduct.
Mr. George, through his legal team, vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them “defamatory and injurious” and demanding Sarpong remove the post, issue a public retraction, and offer an unqualified apology within seven days, with the threat of legal action if he did not.
In a strongly worded statement, Mr. George clarified that the 2024 Lexus LX600 in question was personally purchased and financed through a loan from the National Investment Bank under a government and Parliamentary Service scheme, emphasizing the acquisition’s legality and transparency.
President Mahama’s Code of Conduct, introduced earlier this month, requires government appointees to declare any gifts exceeding GH₵20,000 to ensure integrity and accountability.
However, this demand for accountability from Mr. George has been met with fierce criticism in light of recent comments he made regarding the Ashanti people. Only weeks ago, Mr. George triggered public outrage after making tribalistic remarks about the pronunciation of the English letters “L” and “R” amongst Ashantis.
Reports indicate during a meeting with a young phone repairer from Kumasi, Mr. George reportedly stated, “I wanted to ask him if he is an Ashanti because I didn’t hear an L or R (in his delivery),” sparking laughter amongst those present.
These comments have been widely condemned as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and denigrating the Ashanti people. Ashantibiz News reports a “palpable sense of anger and betrayal” in Kumasi, with community leaders demanding an apology and warning of potential political fallout if the issue is not addressed.
This contrasting situation has sparked a public debate about the standards of accountability expected of public officials. Critics argue that Mr. George’s demand for a retraction and apology from Sarpong rings hollow given his own failure to issue a similar apology for his perceived derogatory remarks. The situation raises questions about whether Mr. George is applying a double standard, demanding accountability from others while failing to acknowledge his own missteps. It remains to be seen how the Minister will address the accusations of hypocrisy and whether he will extend the same demand for accountability to himself.
As of now, P.K. Sarpong has not publicly responded to the demands outlined in the cease and desist letter, whilst the people of Ashanti are yet to hear an apology coming from the honorable minister concerning his derogatory remarks about them
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
