President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has openly criticised government’s handling of two major issues in recent weeks, the DSTV impasse and the continuing threat of illegal mining, questioning both the methods and priorities of leadership.
His concerns highlight growing tensions over regulatory posture in the communications sector as well as persistent frustrations about the government’s approach to addressing galamsey.
In his remarks, Mr. Cudjoe expressed dissatisfaction with the involvement of the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, in the dispute between DSTV and regulators, suggesting the matter could have been resolved without direct ministerial intervention.
“I do not like to see a regulator being like a bully and then basically harassing everybody around the place – I don’t understand why the minister actually became a poster child of DSTV”
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa
According to Mr. Cudjoe, issues surrounding DSTV subscription fees and regulatory negotiations should have been handled by the National Communications Authority (NCA) or by subordinate officials, not elevated to the level of the minister.
While recognising that DSTV subscribers deserved some protection, which the government seems to have now secured, he argued that the Ministry has far more pressing responsibilities, particularly in expanding affordable internet access across the country. He expressed personal disappointment in the minister’s public posture, describing it as inconsistent with his usual style of leadership.
“I understand that those who enjoyed DStv are also Ghanaians but this whole thing was not handled well at all and I feel a bit worried because I know Sam is a bit meticulous, intelligent and quite precocious when he takes on issues but what I saw in the last couple of weeks, was not the Sam that I know.
“I think he should reflect soberly and say to himself that he will never, ever go down this path again with any client in his ministry”
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa
His comments come after weeks of heated exchanges between the minister, MultiChoice, and Parliament’s Communications Committee over DSTV subscription pricing and regulatory oversight.
Concerns Over Galamsey Dialogue
Mr. Cudjoe also turned his attention to the government’s approach to tackling galamsey, ahead of a high-level meeting called by President John Dramani Mahama with civil society organisations at the Jubilee House on October 3, 2025.
While acknowledging the importance of dialogue, he questioned the impact of yet another meeting, insisting that urgent and practical measures are needed.
“Frankly, apart from esprit de corps, as in gathering and meeting on this matter, I don’t know the takeaway from this meeting. Maybe the President wants to hear from us directly, face to face. I don’t understand the meeting; whatever it is, it’s an opportunity to meet him head-on and say ‘look, this is essential and must be dealt with and some assurances that it will be done,'”
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa
Mr. Cudjoe emphasised that President Mahama campaigned extensively on the issue and should already appreciate the urgency of acting decisively.
“They are not in a hurry to declare a state of emergency,” he pointed out and urged the government to move beyond dialogue and secure illegal mining hotspots while ensuring that only properly licensed operators are allowed to remain in business.
Mr. Cudjoe warned that without concrete action, the upcoming dialogue risked becoming another symbolic exercise.
“The meeting is a meet and greet, so far as I’m concerned. We will have to hold the President to account. We need to give ourselves timelines, give ourselves KPIs. If the year ends and we don’t see anything on galamsey, it will be ‘butubutu’ [a problem]”
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa
By linking his critique of the DSTV impasse to his broader concerns about government responsiveness, the IMANI Africa president underscored the need for focused leadership on issues that directly impact the lives of Ghanaians.
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