Kwabena Frimpong, Deputy Protocol Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly criticized President John Dramani Mahama and his Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, for their silence following the recent explosion disaster in Konongo-Odumase.
In an open letter to the President, Mr. Frimpong expressed deep concern over what he described as a lack of proper response, despite the devastation that has claimed lives, destroyed properties, and left several residents injured.
According to Mr. Frimpong, national leaders are expected to visit disaster sites, show empathy, and offer support to victims. He noted that while Mr. Mahama swiftly visited Agavedzi in the Volta Region to sympathize with tidal wave victims, no such urgency had been shown toward the people of Konongo-Odumase.
“It has been five days since the disaster struck, yet not a single word of condolence, support, or even acknowledgment has come from Mr. Mahama or his running mate. If this had happened in one of their strongholds, would the response have been the same?” Mr. Frimpong questioned.
He also criticized the GHC 5,000 allocated by the Ashanti Regional Minister to each of the 30 affected households, arguing that the amount was insufficient given the high costs of rebuilding homes and covering medical expenses. He called for a comprehensive support plan for the victims.
Drawing comparisons to past disasters, Mr. Frimpong pointed out that when the Appiatse explosion occurred, the NPP-led government took proactive measures, including rebuilding an entire community for the victims. He urged Mr. Mahama to take similar action for Konongo-Odumase.
Mr. Frimpong also referenced the votes Mr. Mahama received in the 2020 (11,067) and 2024 (12,390) elections, stressing that those numbers represented real people.
“These are not just numbers; they represent real people who entrusted you with their votes. They deserve respect, acknowledgment, and tangible support in this difficult time,” he emphasized.
He urged Mr. Mahama to visit the affected area, empathize with the victims, and advocate for a thorough investigation into the disaster to ensure proper intervention and long-term assistance.
“Disaster victims are not statistics or political tools—they are Ghanaians, and they deserve to be treated as such,” Mr. Frimpong concluded.
Read full write up below:
Konongo-Odumase Disaster Victims Are Also Ghanaians, Mr. President!
An Open Letter to John Mahama
Monday, March 10th, 2024
Dear President John Dramani Mahama,
I extend my warm regards from my abode. However, I write with deep concern over the deafening silence from you, President Mahama, and your running mate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, regarding the tragic disaster that recently struck Konongo-Odumase. This unfortunate incident has claimed lives, destroyed properties, and left many injured—yet, five days have passed, and neither of you has visited or publicly acknowledged the plight of these affected Ghanaians.
It is a well-known tradition for national leaders to personally visit disaster-stricken areas, offering comfort and support to victims. Even when such visits aren’t immediately possible, at the very least, a statement or message of condolence is expected. Strangely, however, not even a simple tweet or social media post has been made from your camp. Imagine if this disaster had occurred in one of your perceived strongholds—would your response have been the same? Just days ago, on March 6th, you quickly rushed to Keta to visit victims of tidal waves. Why then has Konongo-Odumase not received the same urgency and attention?
On the GHC 5,000 Allocation From the Ashanti Regional Minister
Some may argue that the Ashanti Regional Minister visited the scene and allocated GHC 5,000 to support each of the 30 affected households. But this raises critical questions:
1. What assessment was done to determine the full extent of the damage to lives, properties, and livelihoods?
2. Can GHC 5,000 rebuild an entire home that has been completely destroyed?
3. Considering the current price of cement in Ghana, how far can this money go in construction?
4. Can this amount cover the full medical expenses of those who suffered severe injuries?
5. What about the long-term survival of victims who have lost their means of livelihood?
6. How are families who have lost their breadwinners supposed to cope?
When the Appiatse disaster occurred, the NPP government took decisive action, including rebuilding an entire community for the victims. Mr. President, the people of Konongo-Odumase deserve similar support. Their homes must be rebuilt, and a comprehensive plan must be put in place to restore their lives.
Mr. President, if electoral statistics matter to you, then consider this: apart from Greater Accra (1.28 million votes) and the Central Region (781,000 votes), Ashanti was your third-highest vote contributor in 2024, with 678,000 votes—far more than what the Volta Region gave you. Even in Konongo-Odumase, your votes increased from 11,067 in 2020 to 12,390 in 2024. These are not just numbers; they represent real people who entrusted you with their votes. They deserve respect, acknowledgment, and tangible support in this difficult time.
Mr. President, I urge you to visit Konongo-Odumase, show empathy to the victims, and initiate a proper investigation into the disaster. These citizens deserve more than a token GHC 5,000; they deserve real assistance and proper government intervention.
Disaster victims are not just statistics or political tools—they are Ghanaians, and they deserve to be treated as such.
Sincerely,
Kwabena Frimpong
Deputy Protocol Director, NPP
