The New Patriotic Party has described as mischievous and provocative attacks on ex-president John Kufuor by his predecessor Jerry John Rawlings.

In a statement signed by the party chairman Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, the NPP insists the "constant insults and attacks" by Mr Rawlings is "unbecoming of a former military leader, later head of state, who should naturally be wearing the shoes of statesmanship."

Ex-president Rawlings in an address to students in the Volta region to climax the regional camp of the International Youth Fellowship at the Adidome Senior High School, among other things referred to Mr Kufuor as an "autocratic thief."

“People keep saying that I should keep quiet on Kufuor. The day I keep quiet on Kufuor, his image will become white-washed and he will use that stolen corrupt wealth to determine the political destiny of this country. I will not. All I have is my integrity," he stated.

The NPP is not the least impressed with the comments by Mr Rawlings.

While the party agrees that Mr Kufuor is not immune to criticisms, it insists the unruly conduct by the ex-president Rawlings is completely unacceptable.

The NPP believes Rawlings of all people, whose 19 year track record as president is blotted by atrocities should not be one hurling insults at ex-president Kufuor.

"Mr Rawlings behaves and talks like an angel and a judge of humanity when his 19year rule was inundated with atrocities and unbeatably dark days in the history of our country.

"During the rule of former president Rawlings, so many lives were lost and up till now lives that were lost have not been accounted for. The murdered judges, ordinary citizens, businessmen, market women under his regime were murdered, tortured and humiliated. Whilst some fled to far and near lands he and his cronies autocratically held this nation ransom and dissipated our resources. The culture of silence, curtailed freedoms and lack of dignity were the hallmark of his years in power," the statement said.

The party urged Mr Rawlings to let Ghanaians be the judges on who ruled the country best.