Former Deputy Minister Expresses Concerns About Government’s Disregard for Public Opinion Under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s Leadership

Former Deputy Minister Hon. Abu Kasangbata has voiced significant concerns about the state of affairs in Ghana, particularly the perceived disregard for public opinion under the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo.

This statement comes at a time when the nation is grappling with a growing sense of discontent among its citizens.

The concerns raised by Hon. Abu Kasangbata stem from various factors that have left Ghanaians increasingly disheartened.

What is particularly striking is the apparent shift in behavior from those who once championed the cause of the people and are now in power. This perceived disregard for public opinion has led to widespread frustration and disappointment.

Civil society organizations, once influential in shaping public discourse, have also seen their influence dwindle. The former Deputy Minister emphasizes the need for international involvement in addressing Ghana’s economic challenges.

Organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and diplomatic communities, along with external development partners, are urged to take an interest in the country’s economic woes. Their intervention is viewed as crucial to safeguarding Ghana’s multi-party democracy and participatory government.

With an imminent demonstration on the horizon, a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including political parties, individuals in the creative industries, market traders, fishermen, fishmongers, civil society organizations, taxi drivers associations, the Ghana Hotel Association, GPRTU (Ghana Private Road Transport Union), and Road Contractors Association, has united with shared concerns.

The former Deputy Minister stresses that the government must not only respect these concerns but also address them through effective policies and programs aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by Ghanaians and their businesses.

A pressing issue highlighted by Hon. Abu Kasangbata is the consistent quarterly increment of utility bills. This practice, seen as a stringent IMF conditionality, has taken a toll on productivity and the overall well-being of the populace.

However, the concerns articulated by the former Deputy Minister transcend economic hardships and extend to the erosion of democracy within Ghana’s political landscape. While Ghana has long been lauded as a democratic beacon in Africa, recent events raise questions about its democratic trajectory.

Hon. Abu Kasangbata aptly points out that being a symbol of democracy does not exempt Ghana from adhering to democratic principles, emphasizing the need for vigilance to preserve these values.

Critiquing President Nana Akufo-Addo’s leadership style, the former Deputy Minister characterizes it as akin to that of a pseudo-leader who dismisses the voices of his constituents.

This approach, which appears to disregard public opinion and accountability, is deemed unacceptable. Hon. Abu Kasangbata calls for a unified condemnation of such a leadership style, emphasizing that the preservation of democratic values transcends political affiliations.

Furthermore, the role of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and law enforcement agencies comes under scrutiny in the statement. The former Deputy Minister expresses frustration with their handling of public demonstrations, stating, “Enough of the IGP and his men and women in uniform.”

In conclusion, Hon. Abu Kasangbata’s statement should not be viewed as an attack on the government but as a passionate plea for attention to the government’s perceived disregard for public opinion.

The impending demonstration is framed as an opportunity for the government to address the economic challenges plaguing the nation.

The former Deputy Minister’s concerns underscore the urgency of the situation and the determination of the Ghanaian people to witness positive change. While the road ahead may be challenging, it is a path that many believe must be taken for the betterment of Ghana and its citizens.

The nation stands at a critical juncture where the preservation of democratic values and addressing economic hardships are of paramount importance.