Former president and presidential candidate for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has taken issues with President Akufo-Addo for the latter's recent statement suggesting intentional neglect of development in the Ekumfi constituency.

Mr. Mahama criticised the President's remarks, deeming them "unfortunate" and highlighting what he sees as a tendency for the President to make partisan statements.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Mahama reminded President Akufo-Addo of his constitutional responsibilities outlined in Article 36, clause 2(d) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

The President's comment that he ignored the development of Ekumfi because they voted out his parliamentarian is most unfortunate. President Akufo-Addo has a penchant for making such partisan statements, as we witnessed recently during his visit to flood victims in Mepe. His…

— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) January 18, 2024

The president said he ignored the development needs of Ekumfi because the people voted out his parliamentarian, a claim Mr. Mahama describes as "most unfortunate."

"President Akufo-Addo has a penchant for making such partisan statements, as we witnessed recently during his visit to flood victims in Mepe. His actions contradict the oath he swore as President to do justice to all manner of persons."

"Let me also remind him of Chapter Six of our constitution, specifically Article 36, clause 2(d)," he posted on X.

President Akufo-Addo has disclosed that his government deliberately overlooked development in Ekumfi because the residents voted Francis Ato Cudjoe out of Parliament in the 2020 elections.

• Read also: Akufo-Addo attributes neglect of development in Ekumfi to residents’ vote against Ato Cudjoe

The president expressed dissatisfaction with the voting pattern in Ekumfi during an interaction with traditional leaders from the constituency at the Jubilee House.

President Akufo-Addo said despite appointing Ato Cudjoe as Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture to bring development to the area, the constituents voted him out, which he was not pleased with.

• Read also: Akufo-Addo’s comments on the neglect of Ekumfi unpresidential, vindictive – NDC

"Ato Cudjoe was your MP and I made him a Deputy Minister and you voted him out in the last elections and because of that, I did not pay attention to development in your area, I have to be honest with you but since you have brought it up I will pay attention to it," the President said.

Nevertheless, President Akufo-Addo's comments have faced criticism, with many expressing the view that they are unnecessary and unbecoming of a presidential figure.