The former Minister of Education and running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2020 elections, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has criticised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his selective development agenda and his disregard for the people who did not vote for him.
In a post on Twitter, Prof Opoku-Agyemang said the President has been consistent in blaming his failures and woes on those who he claims do not vote for him, and neglecting their development needs.
She cited the examples of the President’s response to the Paramount Chief of Aflao, Torgbui Adzonu-Gaga Amenya Fiti V, who appealed to him to complete one of the e-blocks in the area; the displaced and traumatized people of the flooded areas in the Volta Region; and the family of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, who were granted audience on a matter that is clearly none of their business.
She also mentioned the paradox of the people of Ashanti Region, the stronghold of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), constantly complaining of neglect, despite giving the party the majority of their votes.
She said the President’s reaction makes one wonder where the “massive votes” actually come from, and whether he will repeat his response to the people of Kwabre, that it is none of his business if they vote for the NDC.
She said the NDC welcomes the votes of all people in the country, regardless of their political affiliation, and is happy to collaborate with everyone who desires to restore the country onto itself by joining all their efforts in building the Ghana they all want, led by their experienced, respectful and humble flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama, whose record speaks for itself.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang also mentioned what the President told the Ekumfi people recently, when they visited him at the Jubilee House to appeal for development projects in their area.
The President admitted that he had overlooked development in Ekumfi because the constituents in the 2020 general elections voted out Francis Ato Cudjoe, whom he had appointed as Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
“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 said.
This statement has sparked outrage among some Ghanaians, who have accused the President of being vindictive, divisive and unfair.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang is a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and a full professor of literature. She served as the Minister of Education from 2013 to 2017 under the Mahama administration. She is also the Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa