Catherine Afeku is a former Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture
Former Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Catherine Afeku, has highlighted the darker side of politics, stressing the need for strategy and personal values as keys to survival.
Speaking on JoyNews on May 27, 2025, she acknowledged the challenges of political life but noted that actors in the space can navigate its pitfalls with the right mindset and principles.
According to her, it ultimately comes down to personal choices and clearly defined boundaries.
“It depends on how murky you want it to be. If you set your standards, if you set your values and create your own barriers, then you control the extent to which people can make you feel bad, but yes, it’s murky,” she said.
Referencing her favourite book, The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli, she emphasised that betrayal and backstabbing are not only political realities but also common aspects of life.
“My favourite book, by the way, is The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli. You have to read The Prince. There’s backstabbing, backbiting, denigrating, and it’s everywhere, even in church,” she noted.
Despite recognising these darker aspects, Afeku maintained that resilience, self-awareness, and strategy are essential to rising above the chaos.
“You just have to know how to set your boundaries and stay one step ahead of the game. Yes, it’s murky, but you can choose to be a victim or a hero. It all depends on how you handle it,” she added.
VPO/MA