Just In: Manasseh Azure Apologizes For ‘Kejetia Market Preacher’ Comment
Renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has issued a public apology following backlash over his recent comments about Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) newly-appointed running mate. Awuni’s description of Opoku Prempeh’s speech delivery as akin to that of a “Kejetia Market Preacher” sparked considerable anger among some Ghanaians, who perceived the remark as tribalistic and offensive.
In a Facebook post aimed at clarifying his intentions and extending an olive branch, Awuni expressed regret for any unintended harm his words may have caused. “In my previous post, my intention was not to demean Kejetia preachers or any group of persons. I observed that the NPP’s running mate delivered his speech in the manner market preachers speak,” Awuni explained.
He further elaborated on his thought process, indicating that his choice of Kejetia was influenced by the location of the event. “In fact, Kejetia came to mind because of where the programme was held, but I could have used Kaneshie or Makola, and the meaning would still have been the same, without intending to offend any group of people,” he added.
Acknowledging the pain his comments caused, Awuni offered an unreserved apology to those who felt hurt, particularly the Kejetia market preachers. “To the extent that some people are hurt by the mention of Kejetia and understand it to be an attack on some particular group of people, I unreservedly apologize to anyone who is offended, especially Kejetia market preachers. It is not in my nature to denigrate any group of people, not even Napo, whose respectful gesture towards me was the subject of my article this Monday. I am sorry.”
Awuni’s apology aims to mend relations and clarify his stance, emphasizing that his critique was intended to address the delivery style of Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s speech rather than to disparage any community or group.