In Ghana’s evolving democratic space, political accountability remains a cornerstone of good governance. Yet, there are moments when political discourse drifts into what can best be described as “jester politics”—a style marked by contradiction, selective memory, and performative outrage rather than sincere engagement with national issues.
I take this moment to address the issues as a concerned citizen who believes in truth, consistency, and responsible leadership.
In recent times, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), now in opposition, has intensified its criticism of the current government. While this is expected and even necessary in a democracy, the tone and substance of some of these criticisms raise serious concerns.
Voices such as Dennis Miracle Aboagye and Kofi Tonto have been at the forefront of these criticisms, particularly on national, cultural, and governance matters such as LGBTQ-related legislation. However, it is important to set the record straight.
Under the Akufo-Addo–Bawumia administration, Parliament passed the much-discussed bill on LGBTQ issues. Yet, despite the strong public posture taken at the time, the process was not carried through to its logical conclusion. The bill was not assented to before the end of that administration, effectively allowing it to lapse.
It is therefore both surprising and misleading that the same voices are today calling on President Mahama to assent to that very bill—when, in fact, no such bill currently lies before him. This contradiction reinforces the perception of what I describe as “jester politics”—a pattern of political engagement driven more by convenience than consistency.
Beyond social and legislative matters, the economic dimension of this discourse cannot be ignored. The same individuals who today lament economic difficulties were among the most vocal defenders of the Akufo-Addo–Bawumia government’s economic record. At a time when many Ghanaians were grappling with rising inflation, currency instability, and a high cost of living, these voices consistently downplayed the severity of the situation.
Ghanaians remember the hardship—businesses struggling, household incomes stretched thin, and the general decline in purchasing power. Yet, during that period, those now presenting themselves as advocates for the people often justified or defended policies that contributed to these challenges.
A similar pattern is evident in other areas of engagement. The actions of the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annor Dompreh, in attempting to rally cocoa farmers against the current government must be viewed within this broader context. While advocacy is legitimate, it must be grounded in sincerity and consistency.
As I address these issues, my call is simple: the NPP must move from “jester politics.” They must rise above selective criticism and political theatrics, and instead embrace honesty, introspection, and responsibility. It must acknowledge its past shortcomings, particularly in the management of the economy and key national issues, before seeking to position itself as the ultimate critic of the present.
Ghana’s democracy thrives not on noise, but on credibility. And credibility is built not by shifting positions, but by standing consistently on truth.
Ghanaians deserve better. They deserve a political culture where leadership is defined not by performance, but by integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to improving lives.
The time is now.
