The National youth organiser of the New Patriotic Party has accused President Mahama of making fun of the sentiments of Ghanaians following his decision to go biking through the capital city on Sunday.

The president rode through several neighbourhoods in the capital on a motorbike without being accompanied by his usual convoy.

Presidential Staffer, James Agyenim Boateng had explained that the move was for the President to check the impact of recent rains in Accra.

This appears to be the first time a sitting Ghanaian president is engaging in such a move, with some sections of the Ghanaian public describing it as a PR technique.

But speaking to Pulse.com.gh, the National youth organiser of the NPP, Sammy Awuku explained that “if it was a PR tactic, then whoever advised him is a poor adviser that must be kicked out.”

“There was a bike riding in Accra yesterday. What happened to the state of our cedi after yesterday; what has happened to our Odawna; what has happened to River circle, all of it got resolved after the flooding,?” Mr Awuku asked.

According to him, the president is totally detached from the realities on the ground, as it “looks like the only way he thinks he can get back and connect to the people is by riding on a bike on a rainy day.”

Sammy Awuku believed that “In times like this you show compassion; people have died, people have lost their livelihoods. Now the sound of a rainfall or seeing the rains sends nightmare experiences. What can a leader do to assuade the fears of people in times like this?” Mr Awuku asked.

It is commonplace to hear reports about presidents in the West engaging in such publicity stunts. In 2009, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin was photographed riding a horse bare-chested, enjoying a back-to-basics camping holiday in Siberia.

But Mr Awuku believes Ghana’s president should not follow such examples as the country’s living conditions are far different from those of the West.

He stressed that in times like this, “I would have loved to see my leader even taking the lead; leading in every rescue effort; that is the kind of leader I want to see as a young man. To motivate the people to achieve the extraordinary. Can you imagine a leader leading the rescue efforts and NADMO men distributing blankets and relief items, and telling them let’s save lives,?” the NPP youth organiser questioned.