A social analyst, Andy Nana Wusu, has pointed out that President Akufo-Addo tends to make errors when delivering impromptu public speeches without a written text.
He explained that the president often speaks candidly without a prepared script when addressing the public, which can lead to inaccuracies.
These observations were prompted by a recent speech by President Akufo-Addo during his visit to flood-affected areas on October 16, 2023, caused by the spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams.
In his speech, the President acknowledged that the people in the area had not voted for him, but he was acting on behalf of the government to address the issue.
The President’s comments stirred mixed reactions from the public. Some criticized him for making a politically charged statement during a disaster, while others believed he was merely stating that the affected area was a stronghold of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Andy Nana Wusu, speaking to the media, noted that the President is not a naturally gifted public speaker and tends to make errors when speaking without a prepared text.
“If the president is speaking without a written speech, he often makes errors. God gave each of us strength. Some are good with public speaking, some are not.
“The venue where he was speaking, was it necessary that he said that? So, for me, we shouldn’t continue on that tangent because if we do, we will neglect the main concern which is the flood and the victims,” he added.
He emphasized the importance of focusing on the flood and its victims, suggesting that the timing and venue were not appropriate for the President’s comments.
Here are excerpts of what the President said to the flood victims:
“When I took the oath of office as president, I took the oath of office as president to every single individual in Ghana, of all people, districts in Ghana. And whether they voted for me or not, once I have taken the oath, I am the president of all the people.
So, Torgbui, you and your elders, I want the people here, beginning with you and the elders, to understand that when something like this happens and the government acts, the government is acting for Ghanaians, that is 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 is 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. And in any event, you will vote for me and my party.”
Akosombo Dam spillage: President @NAkufoAddo assures victims of flooding of support.#INDNews
— The Independent Ghana (@independent_gh) October 17, 2023
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