Chiefs of Efutu in the Central Region have demanded an apology from the NPP presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo for tagging the President with a term that is insulting to their ethnic group.

The chiefs say Nana Akufo-Addo’s use of the phrase ‘Simpa panyin’ which literally means ‘irresponsible’ against President John Mahama by Nana Akufo-Addo was in bad taste.

Simpa is an old reference to the people of Efutu who were said to be living carefree and irresponsible lives, hence the term ‘Simpa panyin’ has derogatory implications.

“He has ignored the space and time we have given to withdraw and retract the unfortunate statement. The people are a people of excellence. What we demand [in return for] our hospitality is respect and not derogatory remarks,” said Neeyi Otubua Sripi II, Tufohene of Efutu.

During a campaign in Efutu, the opposition flagbearer is reported to have said the President is acting irresponsibly by failing to take the necessary measures to forestall violent attacks on NPP supporters by members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Following the comment, the Chiefs gave the opposition leader 48 hours to retract his comment but Nana Akufo-Addo is yet to do so.

“We demand an unqualified apology from the flagbearer of the NPP for the Simpa panyin accolade that he has used for the President and by extension [the people of Efutu],” he said.

However, the Central Region Secretary of the party, Kwamina Duncan, says the NPP will not apologise for the comments.

“Our flagbearer comes from a royal background and knows too well the need to pay or do reverence to royalty. The expression ‘simpa panyin’ has become part of our local parlance and used by all manner of persons,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs say they will rally their people to vote against the NPP on December 7.