Chairman of the National Democratic Congres (NDC) Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo says no member of the party has insulted the Akyem ethnic group.

He argued that recent ethnocentric comments is a calculated attempt to divert attention from the NDC 2020 manifesto which he believes will turn around the fortunes of the country.

Mr Ofosu Ampofo's comments come on the back of calls from some chiefs and residents of Okyeman who are of Akyem lineage for the NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, to denounce some comments which they say is derogatory to the ethnic group.

A group calling itself, Concern Citizens of Okyeman on Wednesday demonstrated against the former President and NDC for allegedly describing them as ‘Akyem Sakawa Mafias’.

This follows claims by President Akufo-Addo that his predecessor, Mr Mahama had endorsed a post by MP for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo describing people in his government as ‘Akyem Sakawa Mafias’ who are looting the state.

The group, made up of the chiefs and residents of Akyem Abuakwa, Kotoku, and Bosome, all in the Eastern Region are demanding an apology from the NDC flagbearer.

Speaking at the opening ceremony for a training programme for lawyers and other NDC members on electoral laws ahead of the December this year’s elections in Kumasi Thursday, Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said the agitations are being fueled by the governing NPP for political capital.

“If somebody puts up a post and refers to a group within government pursuing something and the person speaks about them, I don’t see why the whole Akyem, community will appropriate it to themselves and decide to go and demonstrates,” the Chairman said.

He further stated that the demonstration was an effort to “divert attention from our manifesto and the kind of earthshaking effect that it has brought to the government. Otherwise I don’t think anybody has insulted the people of Akyem”

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo added that NDC will not perpetuate these sentiments and will refrain from entertaining arguments in that respect.

President Akufo-Addo together with his Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia have also called on the former President to apologise for the comment.