Location: Accra, Ghana
In a significant development, former Deputy Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has thrown his weight behind former President John Dramani Mahama’s allegations that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has a history of appointing its loyalists to key positions in state institutions.
Speaking at a recent event, Kwakye Ofosu echoed Mahama’s concerns, highlighting the NPP’s practice of installing party members in influential roles to exert control over national affairs.
Mahama’s Claims and Kwakye Ofosu’s Support
Former President Mahama’s accusations came to light during his address at the closing ceremony of the 3rd Annual Lawyers Conference of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on September 2.
He contended that the NPP has a long-standing strategy of dominating state institutions to further its interests. This, he suggested, has been a recurring issue since the era of former President John Agyekum Kufuor but has become more pronounced under the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Kwakye Ofosu lent credence to these claims, asserting that the NPP has systematically appointed its supporters to influential positions within state institutions.
He cited instances such as appointments within the Electoral Commission and the judiciary, where individuals with known NPP affiliations have been placed in key roles.
The Impact on the Judiciary
Kwakye Ofosu raised concerns about the judiciary, highlighting President Akufo-Addo’s appointment of over eleven Supreme Court judges and nearly one hundred High Court judges during his tenure. He claimed that many of these appointees are openly aligned with the NPP, thus raising questions about the impartiality of the judiciary.
Specifically, he mentioned Justice Solomon Twumasi, a former NPP constituency chairman, and Justice Eric Ansah Ankomah, a known NPP supporter, as examples of these appointments.
Implications for Ghana’s Democracy
These allegations and concerns reflect broader anxieties among some opposition members in Ghana regarding the perceived politicization of state institutions.
The issue of political influence in these organizations has been a recurring theme in the nation’s political discourse.
Mahama’s and Kwakye Ofosu’s contentions emphasize the critical need for transparency and accountability in government appointments to safeguard the impartiality and independence of state institutions within Ghana’s democratic framework.
As this issue continues to generate discussion and debate, it remains to be seen whether further actions will be taken to address the concerns raised by these prominent figures within the political landscape of Ghana.