Vigilantism comment: Yamin makes u-turn; apologizes after NDC 'disowned' him

A Deputy Minister of Sports under the erstwhile Mahama administration, Joseph Yammin has apologized to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) over his comments on NDC affiliated militia group, The Hawks.

Yammin had taken on the party for issuing a disclaimer over some remarks attributed to him with regards to vigilantism.

The former deputy Ashanti Regional Minister earlier in an interview stated categorically that the ‘Hawks’ cannot be disbanded.

Mr. Yamin indicated that the ‘Hawks’ is not a vigilante group contrary to the widely held public perception, adding that it is rather a breakaway group from the NDC Taskforce in Ashanti Region.

But Yammin insisted he never uttered such remarks attributed to him.

He was further angered by a disclaimer issued by the NDC and signed by its General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia.

Yammin in a statement after a meeting with the leadership of the party on Thursday apologized unreservedly for his outburst.

“Firstly, I wish to state emphatically that the statements attributed to me in various media reports which formed the basis of the disclaimer issued by the party, is false.”

“Secondly, I wish to apologise to the Party hierarchy for misconstruing the disclaimer released by FEC on the issue and subsequently my making unfortunate comments against the party leadership. I, therefore withdraw all statements against the party as well as individuals in the party hierarchy and apologise unreservedly for my utterances,” Yammin added in a statement.

Read below for the full statement:

Upon the invitations extended to me to appear before a Committee of the FEC, on the issue of media reports attributing certain statements to me, I attended the meeting this morning 14th March 2019 at the headquarters of the NDC.

I have had the opportunity to interact with the committee of FEC regarding the purported reportage attributed to me and my responses in the media.

Firstly, I wish to state emphatically that the statements attributed to me in various media reports which formed the basis of the disclaimer issued by the party, is false.

Secondly, I wish to apologise to the Party hierarchy for misconstruing the disclaimer released by FEC on the issue and subsequently my making unfortunate comments against the party leadership.

I, therefore withdraw all statements against the party as well as individuals in the party hierarchy and apologise unreservedly for my utterances.

I am grateful to FEC for deciding to refer the issue of the false reportage to the legal committee of the party to consider the way forward in seeking redress on my behalf.

Signed

Mr. Joseph Yammin