President Akufo-Addo‘s recent comments regarding the Ekumfi constituency have come under scrutiny, with Dr Richard Amoako Baah, a political scientist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), expressing disapproval.
In a statement, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged diverting attention from the development challenges of Ekumfi due to the constituency’s voting out of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate. The President highlighted that he had previously elevated the area’s Member of Parliament, Francis Kingsley Ato Cudjoe, to a ministerial position to facilitate development projects.
However, Dr Amoako Baah criticized the President’s remarks, asserting that certain utterances are unsuitable for public disclosure. He emphasized that elevating an individual to a ministerial role alone does not address the broader needs of the constituency.
Dr Amoako Baah expressed concerns, stating, “Like many things he’s said in the past, it’s not in good taste. You don’t say that when you become President of the country. You’re the President of the whole country.”
He urged the President to consider the impact of his statements on public perception, particularly in matters concerning national leadership.
President Akufo-Addo’s admission followed a plea from the Kyedomhemaa of Ekumfi traditional area, Nana Enyimfua III, for developmental projects. The queen mother highlighted unfulfilled promises made to the community since the demise of late President Mills, urging the President to honor at least one commitment.
Responding to the plea, President Akufo-Addo assured the family that he would fulfill his promise, but candidly admitted redirecting attention away from Ekumfi after the constituency voted against the NPP.
The President’s remarks have sparked a debate on the intersection of political decisions and developmental priorities, raising questions about the diplomatic articulation of such matters by public figures. As the discourse unfolds, it brings to light the delicate balance required in addressing the concerns of constituents while maintaining a national perspective in governance.