Akufo-Addo’s ‘Volta region don’t vote for me’ comment a response to NDC’s divisive tribal politics — Richard Ahiagbah

President Akufo-Addo's controversial "you don't vote for me" comment during his visit to flood victims in Mepe, Volta Region, was a direct response to the opposition NDC's divisive tribal politics, according to Richard Ahiagbah, National Communications Director of the ruling NPP party.

During his visit to Mepe on Monday, President Akufo-Addo told local chiefs and residents: "Let everybody know that politics does not come into the issue when things like this occur and government acts.”

He added, “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 wouldn’t be here because you don’t vote for me."

In a tweet on Tuesday, October 17, Mr. Ahiagbah stated that the President's comments on Monday were only meant to "decry the usual NDC politicization of issues occurring in the Volta Region, to further their false campaign that the NPP and its governments do not care about the good people of the Volta Region."

The ruling party’s spokesperson stated that the President was "responding and drawing attention to the divisive NDC's tribal politics" regarding the suffering of flood victims in the Volta Region.

He accused the NDC of "weaponizing the pain of the people for political advantage."

The NPP Communications Director added: "It is needless to weaponize the pain of the people for political advantage, but the NDC cannot help itself because that's all they have got to sell. Sad!"

President Akufo-Addo has faced criticism from the NDC and others for the "you don't vote for me" remarks.

The opposition party and a vast section of the general public said the comments confirm the NPP government's long-standing discrimination against Voltarians.

The President's tour of the flood-affected areas followed the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong dams, which has displaced thousands and destroyed property in Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra regions.