Kwabena Frimpong, the Deputy Protocol Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has issued a scathing critique of President John Dramani Mahama and his running mate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, for their perceived indifference following a devastating explosion in Konongo-Odumase. Frimpong’s open letter to President Mahama underscores the apparent lack of a timely and appropriate response from the leadership in the face of significant loss of life, property damage, and numerous injuries. The crux of Frimpong’s argument centers on the expectation of national leaders to demonstrate empathy and provide tangible support to victims of such tragedies, a precedent seemingly disregarded in this instance. He contrasts this inaction with Mahama’s swift visit to Agavedzi in the Volta Region following tidal waves, highlighting what he perceives as a double standard in the response to disasters affecting different regions.
Frimpong emphasizes the importance of visible leadership during times of crisis. He asserts that the absence of even a simple message of condolence or acknowledgment from Mahama or Opoku-Agyemang five days after the disaster speaks volumes. He questions whether their response would have been the same if the explosion had occurred in a region considered a stronghold for their party. This raises concerns about potential political motivations influencing disaster response and the equitable treatment of citizens regardless of their geographical location or political affiliation. The prompt visit to Keta following the tidal wave disaster further strengthens Frimpong’s argument, painting a picture of selective engagement with disaster-affected communities.
The NPP official further criticizes the GHC 5,000 allocated by the Ashanti Regional Minister to each of the 30 affected households, deeming it grossly inadequate to address the extensive damage. He challenges the assessment process used to determine this amount, arguing that it fails to account for the true costs of rebuilding homes, covering medical expenses, and addressing the long-term needs of those who lost their livelihoods. The insufficiency of the allocated funds, Frimpong argues, underscores a lack of genuine concern for the victims and a disconnect between the government’s response and the scale of the devastation. He calls for a comprehensive support plan that adequately addresses the multifaceted needs of the affected community.
Frimpong draws a parallel between the Konongo-Odumase explosion and the Appiatse disaster, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the NPP-led government in the latter case, including the rebuilding of an entire community. This comparison serves to emphasize the disparity in response and implicitly criticizes the current administration’s handling of the Konongo-Odumase situation. He contends that the people of Konongo-Odumase deserve the same level of support and commitment to rebuilding their lives as was demonstrated in Appiatse. This reinforces his call for a more robust and comprehensive government intervention that goes beyond the initial, insufficient financial allocation.
The political dimension of the disaster response is further underscored by Frimpong’s reference to Mahama’s vote count in the 2020 and 2024 elections in the Ashanti region and specifically in Konongo-Odumase. He points out that these numbers represent real people who placed their trust in Mahama and deserve recognition and support during their time of need. This strategic use of electoral data serves to remind Mahama of his responsibility to all citizens, regardless of their voting patterns, and further emphasizes the perceived neglect of the Konongo-Odumase community. He argues that these are not mere statistics but individuals deserving of respect, acknowledgment, and tangible assistance.
In his concluding remarks, Frimpong implores Mahama to visit Konongo-Odumase, demonstrate empathy to the victims, and launch a thorough investigation into the disaster. He reiterates his call for adequate assistance and proper government intervention, emphasizing that the victims deserve more than a token financial contribution. His final statement underscores the fundamental principle that disaster victims are not political pawns but Ghanaians deserving of dignity and comprehensive support. This reinforces his central message of holding leadership accountable for their response to national tragedies and ensuring equitable treatment for all citizens.
