A group within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the NPP–GaDagme Global Support Group, has called on party member Kwaku Osei Kurankye Asiedu (popularly known as KOKA) to retract and apologise for remarks it describes as derogatory toward the Ga-Dagme people.

In a press statement issued in Accra on February 25, 2026, and signed by its Convener, Osɔfo Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey, the group expressed strong displeasure over comments allegedly suggesting that the Ga people “know only how to go to sea.”

The group described the remarks as disrespectful, historically inaccurate, and harmful to national unity.

According to the statement, while political actors are entitled to critique public officials—including Dr. Ransford Annetey Abbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)—such criticism should not extend to ethnic generalisations.

The group stressed that political disagreement does not justify insults directed at an entire ethnic community.

It maintained that stereotyping the Ga-Dagme people undermines the spirit of cohesion and mutual respect essential to Ghana’s democracy.

The NPP–GaDagme Global Support Group outlined what it described as the historical and economic contributions of the GaDagme people to national development.

It noted that while fishing is an important aspect of coastal GaDagme life, the community has long been involved in agriculture, trade, governance, land stewardship, and education.

The statement highlighted that GaDagme communities historically cultivated crops such as millet, maize, cassava, and vegetables across the Accra plains and surrounding hinterlands.

It argued that reducing their identity solely to fishing ignores the agricultural foundations of settlements such as La, Teshie, Nungua, Tema, and Osu, which played key roles in feeding Accra.

The group further referenced the role of early missionary activity in agricultural transformation in the Gold Coast, particularly the work of the Basel Mission, which arrived in 1828.

It noted that missionary initiatives promoted structured farming methods, crop diversification, and export-oriented agriculture.

The statement also acknowledged the pioneering contribution of Tetteh-Quarshie in introducing viable cocoa cultivation in 1879, but emphasised that the subsequent expansion of cocoa production was driven by indigenous farmers across ethnic lines, including Akan, Ga, and Ewe communities.

It maintained that cocoa farming in the Gold Coast evolved into a largely African-owned enterprise, contributing to the country’s emergence as a leading global cocoa producer in the early 20th century.

Describing the alleged remarks as “intellectually lazy and politically dangerous,” the group called for what it termed a clear and unreserved apology from Mr. Kurankye Asiedu.

It argued that public figures must exercise restraint and ensure that their commentary does not inflame ethnic tensions.

“Ghana’s strength lies in its diversity,” the statement said, adding that responsible leadership requires accountability when words cause division.

The group concluded by urging all political actors to ground public discourse in historical accuracy and mutual respect to safeguard national unity.