Political accountability is once again at the center of national debate following strong commentary from Franklin Cudjoe, President of policy think tank IMANI Africa.
In a recent statement, Cudjoe criticized both the former government and current political opposition, calling for more responsibility, less drama, and a return to serious policy advocacy that benefits the everyday Ghanaian.
Referring to the previous administration, Cudjoe did not mince words. He remarked that the pain inflicted by past governance failures still lingers in the minds of many citizens and requires constant reminders to ensure the country does not lose sight of how far it has come.
“Some of my friends in the NPP were rightly riled up by my last post yesterday. Thank you, but I’m not sorry. I’d repeat them.” This followed an earlier commentary by Franklin Cudjoe, in which he remarked that he hadn’t even realized the President, Vice-President, and Speaker were all out of the country, noting that “all is smooth and sailing.”
He added that SALL (the Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lipke, and Lolobi constituencies) was stable, there were no $58 million pit projects, no financial oppression, and no lectures on how to lock up the dollar—concluding with “long may it continue.”
His remarks sparked reactions from members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ghana’s current opposition party.
Taking his critique further, Cudjoe posed rhetorical questions aimed at highlighting what he considers undeniable facts.
“Did I say anything untruthful? I can’t express how I feel anymore? Didn’t the previous leader waste $58m of our hard cash on an iconic pit? Wasn’t SALL disenfranchised? Wasn’t the dollar ‘arrested’ and ‘locked’ up in jail?”
Franklin Cudjoe
Cudjoe’s comments are the latest in a series of outspoken interventions he has made regarding political conduct and national governance.
His recent statements come at a time when the political landscape is increasingly being shaped by accusations, spectacle, and efforts to impeach the sitting president.
Calls For Focus On Real Issues
Franklin Cudjoe did not reserve his criticism for only the past government. He turned his attention to the current parliamentary minority as well, accusing them of engaging in theatrical behavior rather than substantive political work.
He pointed specifically to lawyer Darko’s move to initiate impeachment proceedings against the president, describing it as unproductive.
“Sadly, some elements in the Minority are majoring in theatrics that evoke the feeling of unseriousness, especially regarding the latest attempt by wannabe tough guys like lawyer Darko in the case of impeaching the president, [for being] presidentially absent, and Ntim Fordjour’s juvenile tantrums over some drugs.”
Franklin Cudjoe
Cudjoe questioned the constitutional foundation and strategic reasoning behind the impeachment efforts.
He expressed doubts that lawyer Darko and his associates would even have pursued such action if it were not politically motivated.
He also challenged the notion that the president’s absence from the country constitutes a failure in duty, especially when such absence is due to representing the nation abroad.
“Frankly, I’m not sure about the advantage to be gained by the move to impeach the president. They are successfully drawing the NPP further away from the obviously fed-up Ghanaian.”
Franklin Cudjoe
His critique hints at broader voter fatigue and disillusionment with Ghana’s political class.
Cudjoe’s comments underscore a growing concern among civil society groups that Ghana’s political discourse is increasingly dominated by distractions rather than efforts aimed at meaningful reform.
NPP Pushed Toward Political Accountability
Offering a constructive path forward, Franklin Cudjoe urged leaders within the NPP — and by extension all political actors — to focus on addressing everyday social challenges rather than engaging in partisan drama.
He called on the leadership to participate actively in civic efforts that promote responsibility and discipline in society.
“Respect for road traffic signs and personal safety when driving can be a good start. This way, they can begin making the party attractive again.”
Franklin Cudjoe
He also highlighted the need for campaigns against road vandalism and the enforcement of laws that are currently being ignored.
Cudjoe emphasized that political accountability should not be a seasonal slogan, but a consistent commitment to transparency, sensible governance, and solutions-oriented leadership.
He pointed out that problems like the destruction of road infrastructure by scrap dealers or the widespread disregard for traffic regulations are urgent matters that deserve attention far more than politically motivated impeachment bids.
His statement, while sharply critical, reflects the sentiment of a growing section of the Ghanaian populace that is frustrated with leadership theatrics and eager for policies that prioritize the public interest.
As Franklin Cudjoe continues to voice concerns on national issues, his insistence on political accountability serves as a clarion call for both ruling and opposition figures to rise above petty politics and return to the work of nation-building.
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