The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Concerned Drivers Union, Mr. David Agboado, has rendered an unqualified apology to the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Hassan Tampuli, for misrepresenting some of his statements to drivers and leading to some disaffection.
Mr. Agboado unreservedly withdrew his unprintable accusation and apologised profusely for what he explained was a total misunderstanding of what the Deputy Minister attempted to put across at a recent meeting with Drivers’ Unions on fuel prices.
Speaking to Accra-based Ahotor FM, the Concerned Drivers PRO appealed to the Deputy Minister for forgiveness and admitted he made a terrible mistake misquoting what he said.
“I misquoted him and did not represent what he really said properly so I apologize and beg for his forgiveness,” he said.
The Deputy Minister who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gushegu, he said, is providing service to Ghana and as a citizen, he has realized his mistake and has done the most honourable thing by admitting it and asking for forgiveness.
Mr. Agboado denied suggestions that the apology he offered comes at the instance of threats that he has received and noted nobody has threatened him with anything.
“If anybody claims that I have been threatened hence the reason for withdrawing the accusation, it is not true.
“I will not repeat what transpired at the meeting or attempt to repeat what the Deputy Minister said because what is important now is to work for the interest of Ghana and Ghanaians,” he said.
In a related development, the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) has also rendered an unqualified for the allegation against the Deputy Minister.
A statement issued by the Council on Monday noted that its attention was drawn to the accusation following a meeting held at the instance of the leadership of the Transport Operators at the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Hall in Accra.
“Indeed, the Deputy Minister was invited to the said meeting, which was attended by some coalition members of the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council and other Transport Unions.
“The Deputy Minister during the meeting explained the various taxes on the petroleum price build-up but never made the statement attributed to him”, the Council stated.
It cautioned that it will not allow misguided elements parading as transport operators to use its membership to pursue their personal agenda other than the growth of the industry.