Former Gomoa Central Member of Parliament, Racheal Nana Adwoa Apor, has strongly condemned recent remarks made by the current MP for the constituency, Kwame Asare Obeng, following public backlash over comments captured in a viral video after flooding incidents in parts of the constituency.
The controversy erupted after a resident of Gomoa Central recorded a video while standing in knee-deep floodwaters at Gomoa Pomadze, appealing to the MP to urgently address drainage challenges in the area following heavy rains that submerged homes and displaced several families.
However, the situation escalated after Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A-Plus, allegedly responded angrily to the constituent on social media and during an interaction captured in a viral video.
In the footage, the MP is heard telling residents they must choose between what he described as “thieves and disrespectful people” and to vote for him, while insisting that he would not tolerate certain behavior from constituents.
A-Plus also reportedly described the flood victim as “stupid” and a “fool,” while questioning whether he was expected to “go to heaven and stop the rain,” remarks that triggered widespread criticism from sections of the public.
The comments have since generated intense debate across social media platforms, with many people criticizing the tone and language used by the lawmaker at a time when flood victims are seeking assistance and support.
Speaking in an interview with the media, Racheal Nana Adwoa Apor expressed disappointment over the MP’s conduct, stressing that the people of Gomoa Central deserve empathy, leadership and respect regardless of political affiliation.
She began by sympathizing with victims of the recent floods across the country, particularly families who lost relatives and properties as a result of the disaster.
“Let me use the opportunity to sympathize with all the affected people of the recent flooding, especially families who lost loved ones both in Accra, Gomoa Central and every part of the country,” she stated.
Describing the flooding as a national disaster, the former MP also commended President John Dramani Mahama for what she described as swift intervention measures aimed at supporting affected victims through emergency relief assistance.
She further accused A-Plus of displaying poor leadership and called on chiefs, clergy, teachers and opinion leaders within the constituency to speak up against what she described as repeated acts of disrespect towards constituents.
According to her, leaders must remain calm and supportive even when confronted by angry or frustrated residents affected by hardship.
“This is the time for our chiefs, clergy and teachers to speak because for an MP to insult a constituent who was affected by the flood and asking for help is unfortunate,” she said.
Racheal Nana Adwoa Apor alleged that the MP went beyond acceptable conduct by insulting not only the constituent but also the individual’s family members during the exchange.
She claimed that this was not the first time the MP had been accused of verbally attacking residents and traditional leaders within the constituency.
“This is not the first time. Sometimes he even insults chiefs,” she alleged.
The former legislator stressed that public office holders must exercise restraint in dealing with constituents, regardless of provocation or political disagreements.
“Once you become a leader, you are there to lead the people, console them, solve their problems and show kindness,” she stated.
She argued that even if the flood victim used offensive language while demanding assistance, the MP should have responded with maturity rather than resorting to insults.
According to her, boasting about development projects in the constituency does not give any leader the right to disrespect the same people they were elected to serve.
“The development you are boasting about will not guarantee your political future if you disrespect the people you are bringing the projects to,” she cautioned.
Racheal Nana Adwoa Apor also downplayed claims that ongoing road and drainage projects in the constituency were extraordinary achievements, insisting that previous MPs had undertaken similar initiatives before central government interventions.
“What kind of development? Every MP is doing road projects. I also did the same in Gomoa Manso, Gomoa Lome and many other communities before government support came in,” she added.
Story by Joseph Cobbina
