“I’m human, if my past utterances hurt; forgive me” – Anyidoho to Mahama, NDC

Samuel Koku Anyidoho, Founder and CEO of the Atta-Mills Institute, has rendered an unreserved apology to former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for past remarks perceived by many as offensive.

In the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, Mr. Anyidoho—once a prominent figure within the NDC—frequently criticised the party’s leadership, particularly President Mahama.

His comments were widely interpreted as expressions of personal animosity, drawing backlash from party loyalists.

However, in an interview with TV XYZ, Mr. Anyidoho extended an olive branch, expressing regret over his past statements.

“I am not a saint; I am human,” he said. “So on a day like this—marked by joy, happiness, and reconciliation—I apologise to everyone I may have offended. If I get the opportunity to meet President Mahama, I will say, ‘Mr. President, I congratulate you for what you have done. If in the past I said anything that offended you, let it pass.”

He added, “I have also been offended in many ways. If I am accused of murdering my own daughter because I wanted to eliminate John Mahama, it hurts. So, I also let go of my hurt and move on to fulfil destiny”.

His comments came after he publicly praised President Mahama for the recent decision to rename the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in honour of the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

UHAS, established in December 2011 through Act 828 under President Mills’ administration, was envisioned as a leading institution focused on health research and community service.

In 2012, President Mills personally broke ground for the main campus in Sokode Lokoe—delivering on his promise to expand public tertiary education across the country.

Mr. Anyidoho, a former aide and close confidant of the late President Mills, described Mahama’s decision as a “deeply meaningful and fitting tribute” to a statesman who appointed Mahama as his Vice President and whose legacy remains pivotal in Ghana’s democratic evolution.