On Monday, October 16, President Nana Akufo-Addo sparked controversy when he subtly reminded some victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage at Mepe in the Volta Region that he had visited them to express his sympathies despite the fact that the locals there do not support his party.
Many communities in the north, south, and central Tongu districts of the Volta region have been forced to evacuate due to flooding brought on by the spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams, leaving them with no choice but to try and salvage what little of their possessions remains.
The Comboni Hospital staff had to leave their apartments because of the dire situation and take refuge under a pavilion.
Only 10 patients are still in critical condition after patients were discharged. They might also need to be released if the water levels do not drop soon.
President Akufo-Addo gave assurances that the government would use all of its resources to ensure that the unfortunate situation was resolved while touring the districts that had been severely affected.
“My visit here is a very simple one. It is to come and sympathise and commiserate with you about the tragedy that has occurred. When it happened, I was in America on an official business and the Chief of Staff called me in America about what had happened and we discussed what had to be done.
“We agreed to establish an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate government response to the tragedy…,” he said.
The president also promised the flood victims that more aid would arrive.
In order to ensure the safety of the displaced, he continued, nine safe havens have been established in Mepe. NADMO has also provided relief supplies to all of the victims housed in the shelters, he said.
“It is NADMO’s intention to continue the exercise of providing relief items.”
President Nana Akufo-Addo mentioned the destroyed farmlands and gave the assurance that his office would work with the Ministry of Finance, Food, and Agriculture to come up with a comprehensive plan to address the issues.
He claims that despite receiving a sufficient number of votes from the area, he is still there to show his support for them as the nation’s leader.
He therefore pleaded with Ghanaians not to politicize such events.
“When these things happen and government acts, politics does not come into the matter at all. When I took the oath of office as president, I took the oath as president for every single individual in Ghana, all people in Ghana, all districts and whether they voted for me or not, once I have taken the oath, I am the President of all the people so Togbe, I want the people here, beginning with you, and the elders to understand that when something like this happens and Government acts, Government is acting for Ghanaians, 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 a question of counting who votes for me and who doesn’t vote for me, then I shouldn’t be here, because you don’t vote for me. But that is not my concern. And, in any event, one day you will vote for me and my party.
“So Togbe, I came here this afternoon to express my sympathy with all the people of Mepe and the areas affected,” he stressed.
