Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Council of Elders, has delivered a stinging critique of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming that their persistent distrust of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) would persist even if Jesus Christ himself were appointed as its head.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, November 25, Owusu-Agyeman accused the opposition party of fostering a culture of discontent, asserting that this undermines public confidence in Ghana’s democratic processes.
“Believe me, if you bring Jesus Christ from heaven to come and become the electoral commissioner, they will still complain,” he said. “The opposition’s posture, where they claim something must have gone wrong if they don’t win, is harmful to our democracy.”
The veteran politician lamented the NDC’s frequent accusations against the EC, emphasising that such behaviour erodes institutional credibility and public trust. He described their actions as counterproductive, particularly in a country striving to strengthen its democratic foundations.
“These complaints are not helping anybody, and these threats and accusations are damaging the very democracy we’ve worked so hard to build,” he remarked.
Owusu-Agyeman also highlighted the trickle-down effect of this attitude, which he said has infiltrated other political institutions like Parliament.
“This behaviour has permeated society to the extent that even in Parliament, things are not working the way we expect them to work,” he noted. “Parliament is for the people, not the personal property of MPs or the Speaker. It must function in the interest of all Ghanaians.”
The former New Juaben MP expressed deep frustration over Ghana’s political challenges, admitting that the country’s failure to meet its democratic potential sometimes leaves him heartbroken.
“Sometimes, in my quiet moments, I feel like crying,” he confessed. “I worked with the United Nations for 20 years and could have been the Director-General of the FAO. But I chose to return, hoping we could replicate the progress achieved elsewhere here in Ghana.”
While acknowledging historical setbacks like military interventions, Owusu-Agyeman urged all stakeholders to focus on building upon the gains Ghana has achieved.
Owusu-Agyeman concluded by appealing to the NDC and all political actors to adopt a more constructive approach, particularly as the nation heads toward crucial elections.
“It’s time to strengthen our institutions, foster unity, and ensure our democracy works for everyone,” he said. “The constant antagonism and baseless accusations only harm the very people we are supposed to serve.”
With his remarks, Owusu-Agyeman hopes to spark a renewed commitment to collaboration and progress, urging political leaders to prioritise Ghana’s development over partisanship.