President Nana Akufo-Addo has finally commented on the deaths from flooding incidents over the last two weeks after criticism from Ghanaians following his quick commiserations to France following the fire at the Notre-Dame cathedral fire.
In a Facebook post hours after the fire gutted the 850-year-old building, President Akufo-Addo conveyed condolences to France to the ire of many Ghanaians who questioned the President’s lack of regard for his own citizens.
Following the widespread backlash, the President acknowledged the deaths that resulted from recent flooding incidents in a series of tweets.
“The news of the death of 12 persons in the recent flooding that hit our nation’s capital is very sad. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased,” the President said.
The news of the death of 12 persons in the recent flooding that hit our nation’s capital is very sad. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased. 1/3
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) April 16, 2019
He also noted some of the government interventions to counter the flooding that claimed the lives.
“GH¢197 million has been released to the Ministry of Works and Housing to desilt choked drains, the contracts for the works have been awarded, and are ongoing.”
“Beyond addressing issues of infrastructure, our attitudes towards sanitation have to change as well, in order to help tackle the problem of the perennial flooding of Accra. Every effort is being made by the public authorities to deal with this problem,” he added.
But these condolences are likely to be too late for the Ghanaians were upset at the President’s prioritisation of tragedies from foreign countries amid Ghana’s pressing challenges.
A number of aggrieved citizens also highlighted recent challenges with power and market fires within the past few months.
Hypocrisy is really killing Africans and our leaders…Why can’t a president have such a heart for his citizens but rather outsiders???#NanaAddo love your citizens.
— Doku Stephen (@DokuStephen2) April 16, 2019
Mokola market, Kejetia market had the same incident but we didn’t see this kind of response. Yesterday, people died from flood related issues but nhwihweanim wey dey do you.
— k_danso (@k_samuwal) April 15, 2019
You don’t care Mr President. So it is useless. Because in some other countries with very visionary and competent leaders. With this regular deaths after every rain. I believe and know that some useless ministers and DCEs will have been sacked or imprisoned.
— Raf papa 1 (@sanirafik) April 16, 2019
Speak for yourself Please😤
People lost their lives and properties due to the downpour yesterday but u were not bothered to send your condolences to the families instead, you’re here expressing ur shock towards another country’s loss.. 3y3 a diwo fie asem kakra— Ayigbey Toffee (@ayigbey_toffee) April 15, 2019
I haven’t seen a tweet issued from your account concerning the 7 persons who lost their lives in the floods recently.
— barni Hally parker (@barni_Hally) April 16, 2019
Why is the Presidency of Ghana so quick in sending commiserating messages to foreign nationals when natural disasters befall them but can’t do same for it citizens? over the past week, about 10 Ghanaian lives lost thru rains,and no message from the presidency. and here they are
— PAQ (@PapaQuasy) April 15, 2019
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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa | citinewsroom.com | Ghana