He has consequently withdrawn the comments he says are “inappropriate”.

A statement issued by his office, signed by Mr. Kobina Andoh Amoakwa of the Communications Directorate said the comments were made during a meeting he held with a delegation of chiefs and elders from Mepe in the Volta Region last Tuesday.

“The office of former President Jerry John Rawlings wishes to inform the general public that the former President has taken due note of concerns raised over certain publications arising out of a meeting he held with a delegation of chiefs and elders from Mepe in the Volta Region last Tuesday.

“The former President apologises to former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama for the choice of words. He deems the words as inappropriate and withdraws them.”