Sammy Gyamfi chides Akufo-Addo for 'secretly' attending Global Citizen Concert

The Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has taken a swipe at President Akufo-Addo for “secretly and unceremoniously” attending the Global Citizen Concert held in Johannesburg, South Africa with his relatives.

Mr. Gyamfi in a statement accused the President of failing to “inform Parliament about this trip contrary to the Constitutional imperative to do so whenever the President intends to leave our jurisdiction.”

On December 2, 2018, Global Citizen brought together its largest contingency of heads of state, dignitaries, a group of the world’s most talented artists and influencers, and thousands of global citizens to celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela.

It was aimed at raising $1 billion for causes such as “ending hunger and increasing access to good nutrition, ending neglected tropical diseases, reducing HIV transmission rates, ensuring every child receives a quality education, reforming and repealing sexist laws, providing funding for women's health and family planning, and ensuring access to clean water and safe sanitation worldwide.”

Gyamfi asserts that it was entirely wrong for the President attend such an event especially when there are pressing issues begging for solutions.

"This is the height of insensitivity and irresponsibility on the part of our President. This act also underlines the misplaced priorities of this government," he said.

"What breaks my heart more is the fact that in times like this, when the cost of fuel is so high, coupled with rising import charges and worsening exchange rate, our President finds it expedient to fly out secretly to enjoy a concert by Jayzee and Beyonce in far away South Africa. Let's we forget, CETAG is still on strike, all Colleges of Education and the GIJ remain closed. Yet the President is unperturbed, and rather chose to cool off in a foreign land. How does this sit well with the conscience of the President?" he asked.

Meanwhile, there are reports that the President actually informed Parliament of his decision to honour an invitation to the program.

In a letter dated November 30, 2018 and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, the President stated he would be out of the country on December 1, 2018 and return on December 3, 2018.