President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been criticized by Ghanaians for his alleged insensitivity towards flood victims in the Volta Region.
During his visit to Mepe, a community affected by the floods from the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillages, he reportedly told the victims that they did not vote for him. Ironically, the President has emphasized that he does not base his performance as the first gentleman of the land on who supports him or not.
He is required by law to serve all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political affiliation. The President has also indicated that his visit to the Volta Region was to gather firsthand information on the plight of the flood victims and propose solutions.
He noted that if the votes he received from the Volta region were anything to go by, he would not have visited the region.
The floods were caused by the opening of the Akosombo and Kpong dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA) to reduce the volumes of water that have reached their maximum levels due to excessive rains in the northern part of the country flowing to the southern part of the country. The spillage of the dams has submerged the homes of residents near the lower Volta Basin, including their farmlands.
Speaking to some of the victims today, Monday, October 16, 2023, the President noted “when I took the oath of office as President, I took the oath of office as President of every single individual in Ghana. Of all peoples in Ghana, all districts and whether they voted for me or not, once I’ve taken the oath, I’m the President of all the people.”
“So, I want the people here beginning with you (Togbe) and your elders to understand that when something like this happens, and government acts, government is acting for all Ghanaians. I came here because Ghanaians are having difficulties and are suffering. And it is my responsibility to try and help because if it’s the question of counting who votes for me and who doesn’t vote for me, I shouldn’t be here because you don’t vote for me. But that is not my concern,” President Akufo-Addo told chiefs and residents of Mepe where he was giving an address.
Previously, we mentioned that the spillage has resulted in flooding that has compelled numerous communities in the north, south, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region to evacuate, leaving them with no alternative but to attempt to rescue whatever remains of their possessions.
The situation was critical, with the Comboni Hospital personnel having to vacate their residences and seek refuge under a pavilion. Patients have also been released, with only ten in critical condition remaining. If the water levels do not recede soon, they may also have to be discharged.
