The protest reportedly demanded that President John Dramani Mahama appoint Mr Annan to a high-ranking position in his government. 

In a statement signed and issued by Mr Annan, he disassociated himself from the demonstration and expressed his disapproval. “I totally condemn the demonstration and completely disassociate myself from the acts,” the statement read.  

Mr Annan revealed that he was not present in Effutu at the time of the demonstration due to ill health and had been in Accra seeking medical attention and rest. He stated that he had received prior intelligence about the planned action and had taken steps to prevent it.  

"On the morning of the day the demonstration happened, I picked an intel that some youth were planning to disrupt a meeting of the Constituency Executive in my office. I quickly called the Constituency Deputy Communications Officer, informed him about what I heard, and advised them not to have the meeting in my office," he said.  

He added that upon hearing that the group intended to hold a press conference instead, he contacted the Municipal National Investigation Bureau (NIB) officer, sharing the telephone number of the youth leader and urging him to monitor the situation.  

“Unfortunately, all my efforts at preventing the youth from taking the action failed, probably because of my physical absence,” he stated.  

Mr Annan reiterated that the responsibility for appointing individuals to high-ranking offices lies solely with President Mahama. 

“I wish to reiterate that the responsibility to appoint individuals to high offices is the sole prerogative of the President,” he emphasised.  

He further urged the youth to refrain from associating his name with “irresponsible and reckless acts.”  

Despite the incident, Mr Annan reaffirmed his commitment to the NDC and his support for President Mahama’s decisions.  

“We worked hard to bring the party into office, and I believe whatever decision the President or the party takes is done in the good interest of the party and in the spirit of resetting our country,” he stated. 

He called on party members in the Effutu constituency to exercise restraint and focus on supporting the government in achieving its objectives. “Our responsibility as a party in the constituency is to come together and support the government to achieve the objectives set in the manifesto,” he added.  

Background to the protest  

The demonstration, carried out by some NDC supporters, turned violent as they stormed the party's constituency office in Effutu, vandalising property and setting some items on fire. The youth claimed Mr Annan had worked tirelessly for the party and deserved recognition in the form of a government appointment.  

Some protesters argued that they had contributed significantly to the NDC’s electoral victory, despite Mr Annan’s loss in the parliamentary contest, and felt it was time for their efforts to be rewarded.