Set up medical board to examine Akufo-Addo – Asiedu Nketia.

National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Johnson Asiedu Nketia has called for the setting up of a medical board to examine President Akufo-Addo to establish his state of mind following his comment on the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

President Akufo-Addo during his tour of Mepe and other communities affected by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam on Monday among others stated that if he were to be counting on those who vote for him in elections, he wouldn’t have paid them a visit in their time of distress.

“Togbe, I want the people here, beginning with you, and the elders to understand that when something like this happens and the government acts, the government is acting for Ghanaians, for all Ghanaians. 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 shouldn’t be here, because you don’t vote for me. But that is not my concern. And, in any event, one day you will vote for me and my party,” he stated.

But the President’s comment has been condemned by a section of the public describing it as insensitive and unnecessary politicking at the wrong time.

Commenting on President Akufo Addo’s comment in an interview with host Bonohene Baffuor Awuah on Ghana Kasa show on Kasapa FM/Agoo TV Wednesday, Chairman Asiedu Nketia said the President will have to be examined so the citizenry is clear that the “Ship of State” is in good hands.

“I am not surprised because I am on record to have said that a Medical Board must be constituted to examine President Akufo-Addo so that we are sure that the Ship of State is in safe hands. I first called for the setting up of the Board to examine him when during the Assin North by-election pointed to the chest of his party’s candidate and said the man was useless and so he should not be voted for. Some people insulted me for my comment, but I maintain my stance.”

He added: “I’m not saying he’s suffering from a mental illness. But as one advances in age, he or she goes through some changes and sometimes one’s state of mind is affected. So, in some Francophone states, they have set a maximum age limit for a President because they recognize the facts of nature. It is true that there are exceptional cases where some aged persons still have sharp brains and retentive memory and are able to govern a country. But, averagely, there’s a stage in life when one turns a particular age his or her mental capacity reduces. So, our constitution has provided that when we realize that all is not well with our leader, a medical board will have to be set up to examine him. I have operated with President Akufo-Addo in other circles before and I know how sharp he was, and we are now observing him almost at his lowest ebb.