The Director of Conflict Resolution for the National Democratic Congress(NDC), Abraham Amaliba, has expressed criticism towards President Akufo-Addo for his remarks to the traditional leaders of Ekumfi.
In a meeting at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo indicated that he had not prioritized the development needs of Ekumfi because the constituents voted out the then NPP candidate, Francis Ato Cudjoe, in the 2020 elections.
“Ato Cudjoe was your MP and I made him a Deputy Minister and you voted him out in the last elections and because of that, I did not pay attention to development in your area, I have to be honest with you but since you have brought it up I will pay attention to it,” the President stated.
Reacting to the President’s comments, Amaliba stated that rather than condemnation, President Akufo-Addo needs prayers. He emphasized that the President’s tendency to make controversial statements requires understanding and prayers for his leadership.
Mr Amaliba mentioned the President’s previous statements in Mepe and emphasized the need for prayers, stating, “This President is incurable when it comes to running his mouth.”
Mr Amaliba argued that President Akufo-Addo may have breached his oath of office by neglecting the development of Ekumfi based on political considerations.
He questioned whether the people of Ekumfi believe the President has acted in accordance with his responsibilities outlined in the directive principles of state policy.
On the other hand, Eric Amoah Twum, a New Patriotic Party Communicator, defended the President’s comments, claiming they were taken out of context.
Mr Twum emphasized that the President’s demeanor during the meeting reflected genuine concern for Ekumfi’s development, and the comments should not be viewed as negative punishment for political reasons.
“The president does not need criticisms again like we are doing. The President deserves prayers; we must pray for this president. When he did in Mepe, he was bashed. Would a normal human being having being bashed that way repeat what he had said again?” Mr. Amaliba said in an interview on New Day, Friday, January 19.
“This President is incurable when it comes to running his mouth,” he added.
According to Abraham Amaliba, the President breached his oath of office for passing such a comment to the people of Ekumfi.
“Would the people of Ekumfi say he has done right to them. Has he not breached his oath? The directive principle of state policy stipulates that the President must ensure even and balanced development, has he not breached this one too?”
Twum urged against relying too heavily on propaganda and emphasized the President’s active engagement in conversations with the Ekumfi leaders as a sign of his commitment to their development.