The Volta Regional Secretariat of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reacted to the speech delivered by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday at Mepe during his visit to affected flood victims.
According to them, President Akufo-Addo Addo stated: “When I took the oath of office as president, I took the oath of office as president for every single individual in Ghana, of all the people in Ghana, all districts whether they voted for me or not. Once I have taken the oath of office, I am the president of all the people,” he stated. “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,” he added.
Reacting to this statement, Volta NDC stated that the President’s speech which was expected to give hope to the flood victims has rather worsened their emotional trauma.
According to the statement signed by the Regional Secretary, Hon. James Gunu, “the victims were looking for firm assurances and practical solutions which must be borne out of thoughtful analysis, planning and executing strategies but instead, they felt neglected and misunderstood.”
The party also expressed concerns that the “President’s speech lacked specific details about the support and resources that would be made available to the flood victims.”
They stressed that the President’s choice of words and tone were very insensitive and heartbreaking to the emotional turmoil faced by the victims, further exacerbating their distress.
Below is the full press statement:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2023
PRESIDENT NANA ADDO’S SPEECH WORSENS EMOTIONAL TRAUMA OF FLOOD VICTIMS – VOLTA NDC
In a heartbreaking turn of events, President Nana Addo’s speech at Mepe this evening has had a profound and deeply distressing impact on the flood victims in North Tongu. His words, intended to provide solace and support to those affected by the recent devastating floods, have instead compounded their emotional distress.
The President addressed the nation on Monday, October 16, offering words of empathy and condolences to the victims of the flood, which had left many families displaced and suffering from severe emotional trauma.
However, the content and delivery of his speech have resulted in an unexpected and severe backlash, leaving victims further distressed.
Many flood victims had hoped for reassurance, aid, and a clear plan to help them rebuild their lives. Instead, the speech seemed out of touch with the magnitude of their suffering and the urgent need for action. Some key points that have contributed to the emotional disaster include:
- Lack of Specific Assistance: The President’s speech lacked specific details about the support and resources that would be made available to the flood victims.
- Insensitive Language: His choice of words and tone appeared insensitive to the emotional turmoil faced by the victims, further exacerbating their distress.
- Failure to Address Immediate Concerns: Many flood victims expected immediate solutions for housing, healthcare, and essential services. These expectations have not been addressed.
Local leaders, humanitarian organizations, and citizens have expressed their concern over the President’s speech which was not only empty but lacked direction.
We are calling for a swift and effective response to assist the flood victims in this time of need.
The victims were looking for firm assurances and practical solutions which must be borne out of thoughtful analysis, planning and executing strategies but instead, they felt neglected and misunderstood.
The reality on the ground is that the people need help, and they need it now!
As the humanitarian situation worsens and the victims emotional stress deepens, what we expect is for government to take practical steps to ameliorate the suffering of the victims of this disaster.
We urge President Nana Addo and his administration to address the concerns raised by the flood victims and their advocates promptly.
The emotional well-being of these individuals should be the highest priority, and actions should speak louder than words.
Signed: James GUNU
Regional Secretary, Volta NDC
