The political climate in Ghana has reached new levels of tension following recent controversial remarks by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Abraham Amaliba, a member of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) Resolutions Committee, attributed the President’s contentious statements during a visit to flood-stricken areas in the Volta Region to his “poor upbringing.”
The President’s comments came amidst a tour of communities devastated by the spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
In a move that shocked many, he pointed out that if his concern were solely based on electoral support from the affected areas, he wouldn’t have visited to sympathise with the victims.
“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 wouldn’t be here because you don’t vote for me,” he said.
This remark, seen by critics as insensitive, especially given the timing, has drawn a significant backlash.
Speaking on TV3 NewDay on Friday, October 20, 2023, Amaliba, also a legal practitioner, expressed profound disappointment in the President’s conduct. He emphasised that the incident revealed more about President Akufo-Addo’s character than his leadership skills.
He criticised the President for using resources funded by the populace for such visits, only to insult the victims of the tragic incident.
“People are distressed. You take the people’s car, because the car that the president drove to that place was bought by the people. You take the people’s money, fuel that car, go to the Volta Region, and insult them in this way. The whole country is up in arms against you; what you could do is to apologise to the people of the Volta Region,” Amaliba detailed, not hiding his disdain.
He further lambasted the President, asserting, “He has failed and I have heard all sorts of complaints about the president. The president’s problem is none of those things people have said about him; the president’s problem is poor upbringing, which will then culminate into all of the things that he is doing. The presidency doesn’t change you – when you become president, that office doesn’t change you; it rather exposes your character.”
The affected areas, including North Tongu, South Tongu, Asuogyaman, Ada East, Keta, and other coastal communities in the Volta Region, have seen considerable havoc due to the dam spillages, with properties destroyed and lives disrupted. Despite the magnitude of the disaster, calls to declare the situation a national emergency have fallen on deaf governmental ears.
Amaliba’s words resonate with a section of the public and political commentators who view the President’s remarks as a misstep, further widening the chasm between the government and the citizens.