According to a publication by Ghanaweb, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Akokoto-Afriyie, slammed a journalist for using the word ‘incompetent’ on him during a recent interview.
In leaked audio available to Ghanaweb, the journalist asked Mr Akoto-Afriyie to respond to comments made by the former MP for Kwadaso, Madam Hilda Addo who described him as incompetent.
“Hello Doc, Good morning once again. A lot of allegations have been made against you by the former MP for Kwadaso, Madam Hilda Addo and one thing she is saying is that you are incompetent and as a result, the people in the Constituency have called her to contest,” the journalist said.
However, the minister went bonkers and slammed the journalist for using the word incompetent in his speech.
“That’s very disrespectful, you know; the word ‘incompetent’ and I don’t want you to use that word on me. If she is crazy to use those words, I don’t want you to repeat it on me. You know that that is very offensive so please let’s stop this conversation. I don’t want you to be talking to me in this time. Do you know who I am? Do you know what I have created in this life for a journalist like you to tell me that I am incompetent?” the voice said to be the minister fumed.
The journalist was gravely surprised by the minister’s posture and reminded him that the words were not his but that of his predecessor Madam Hilda.
“O Doc, please I am not referring to you,” the journalist clarified. Mr Akoto-Afriyie was even incensed more and continued with his attack saying the interviewer should have exercised decorum in his line of duty.
“If you are repeating somebody’s words it is your words as well. You shouldn’t be that insubordinate. Come on, I am in politics but you can’t take advantage to be disrespectful to me. If some stupid woman is making those kinds of… using those offensive words and she doesn’t even realise that they are offensive and abusive and you repeat it on me directly? I don’t know how old you are but my son will be older than you.
You understand. The owner of your station doesn’t come anywhere near my standard in terms of life achievements. You have to learn to be respectful, don’t use those words on me!” he blurted before hanging up the call.
