The Chairman of the Mepe Development Association in the Volta Region, Mr Kojo Mawulenu Fabian, has expressed his dissatisfaction with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's statement during his visit to communities affected by the spillage from the Kpong and Akosombo Dams, managed by the Volta River Authority (VRA) in the Eastern Region.

The President had stated, "Let everybody know that politics does not come into the issue when things like this occur, and government acts; government is acting for all Ghanaians.

When I took the oath, I took it on behalf of everyone in Ghana. And whether they voted for me or not, I'm the president of the people."

The President made this statement during his visit to residents of Mepe and surrounding areas on October 16, 2023, to assess the extent of the devastation caused by the spillage by VRA. 

He assured the affected residents that all possible efforts would be made to provide the required assistance.

But Mr Fabian, speaking on behalf of the affected people, criticised the President's statement, considering it unfortunate.

He did appreciate the President's visit to the flood-affected communities but felt that the President's reference to votes during the visit had overshadowed his efforts.

He spoke on the Ghana Yensom morning show hosted by Odeyeeba Kofi Essuman on Accra 100.5 FM on Tuesday, October 17, 2023,

Mr Fabian noted the absence of relief items accompanying the president's visit and stressed the urgency of the situation, with people's lives at stake. 

He mentioned the challenges of crossing the river to distribute food items to the artificial island communities and emphasized the need for assistance from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and the Volta River Authority.

Mr Fabian also highlighted the dire situation in the community, such as a shortage of water and the submersion of cemeteries, mortuaries, and toilets due to the artificial floods.

He was of the view there is going to be an outbreak of some unknown disease in the area stemming from the levels of devastation.  

He noted a significant communication gap between the authorities and the affected people in the Mepe area.