The National Ambulance Service (NAS) officer at the centre of a viral video that drew widespread condemnation, Philip Kwame Twumasi, has apologised to the Fulani community and the public following criticism of his conduct toward a recruit at the National Ambulance Training School in Nkenkaasu.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, showed Twumasi addressing a recruit of Fulani descent in a manner many viewers described as discriminatory. The incident prompted the NAS to launch an investigation, describing the footage as disturbing and unprofessional.
In a recorded apology released after the backlash, Twumasi said he had no intention of disrespecting anyone and insisted the video had been misunderstood.
“This is Commander Twumasi, I’m here to apologise to my dear Fulanis wherever they’re in West Africa and the World. The video I made with my recruit was just a video… to encourage him to tell every other person that you can make it in life when focused,” he said.
Twumasi added that the interaction in the video was playful. “So, behind the video, you could see that we were laughing together and he was giving me some slow match.
“I didn’t mean to insult Fulanis. I didn’t mean to look down on Fulanis or show disrespect. I respect you people a lot. I’m very sorry, I apologise to the world, all the security services, all the Fulanis everywhere you are.”
He further appealed for forgiveness, emphasising that the recruit involved is a friend.
“I apologise that some of you will let bygone be bygone, and forgive me. He’s my friend and he comes to me if he needs anything. All the chiefs in all the countries in the world, forgive me. Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and your wife forgive. It will never happen again.”
