A group called Democracy Forum has accused President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party administration of deliberately delaying its intervention to the victims of the flood occasioned by the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage in the Volta Region.
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 17 2023 and signed by its Executive Director, Frank Amoakohene, the group expressed grave concern about the government’s delay of support to the victims of the flood resulting from the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage by the Volta River Authority.
According to Mr Frank Amoakohene, the Executive Director of the group, President Akufo-Addo’s comment during his visit to the victims of the flood on Monday, October 2023 confirmed the lack of commitment on the part of the government to provide the needed relief to the affected communities.
“We, at the DF, are deeply concerned about the recent remarks made by the President of Ghana during his visit to the victims of the Akosombo dam spillage. The President’s comments, in which he stated, ‘I came here because Ghanaians are having difficulties and are suffering, and it is my responsibility to try and help. Because, if it is a question of counting who votes for me and who doesn’t vote for me, then I shouldn’t be here, because you don’t vote for me’.
‘But that is not my concern’, are both irresponsible and reckless. The President’s remarks suggest that the presidency was deliberately lackadaisical in responding to the crisis as a payback for them not voting for the NPP”.
Frank Amoakohene
Mr Amoakohene further admonished President Akufo-Addo to bear in mind that he was not elected to the highest office of President solely by those who voted for him and thus the presidency of Ghana represents all its citizens, regardless of their political affiliations or voting preferences.
He thus, chastised President Akufo-Addo for his comment and argued that such a comment does not only undermine the principles of inclusivity and unity of Ghana’s democracy but also convey an ‘unpresidential and divisive message’.
“We believe that leadership is about representing the interests of all citizens, irrespective of their political leanings. The President must protect and serve the entire nation, and his comments fall short of the standards expected of a national leader”.
Frank Amoakohene
Democracy Forum Calls President Akufo-Addo To Apologize Over His Comment
Moreover, Mr. Frank Amoakohene, the Executive Director of Democracy Forum called on President Akuffo Addo to issue a public statement to apologize to the people of Ghana, particularly the victims and communities affected by the flood resulting from the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage over his remarks on Monday, October 16 2023 during his tour.
According to him a genuine apology from President Akufo-Addo will not only demonstrate his commitment to the well-being of all Ghanaians but also serve as a step toward healing and reconciliation to the victims of the flood resulting from the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage.
“In conclusion, we urge the President to remember that his mandate is to serve all Ghanaians, and his words and actions should reflect this commitment. Irresponsible and divisive rhetoric has no place in our democratic society”.
Frank Amoakohene
Meanwhile, the Assemblies of God Church has called for a declaration of state of emergency in areas that have been affected by the flood occasioned by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams’.
The Church believes that this will help in dealing with the devastating flood situation resulting from the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage.
Speaking to the press in Accra on Tuesday, October 17, Reverend Stephen Wengam, the General Overseer of the Assemblies of God Church indicated that the Assemblies of God Ghana fully backs calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in the flood-affected areas.
According to him, such action will help the necessary humanitarian measures being undertaken to bring the depressing situation under control.
Revered Stephen Wengam further urged all Ghanaians to support the government’s effort to provide relief to the victims of the flood caused by the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage.
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