George Opare Addo, the National Youth Organiser for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has publicly criticised certain members of the clergy for what he perceives as their bias in favour of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking at the launch of the NDC’s youth manifesto, Opare Addo accused these religious leaders of remaining silent on the current administration’s alleged corruption and state capture.
Opare Addo claimed that these clergymen, along with some civil society groups and media outlets, were vocal supporters of the NPP in the past but have now turned a blind eye to the government’s alleged misconduct.
He stated, “They rallied self-centred clergymen and women, corrupt civil society groups, and rented media to achieve this agenda; today these men of God have disappeared and turned deaf and blind to the wanton act of corruption, state capture, and untold hardships unleashed on Ghanaians by Bawumia and Akufo-Addo.”
The youth leader emphasised the resolve of the Ghanaian youth to not remain passive in the face of political malpractice.
He highlighted the increasing vigilance among young people who are prepared to hold political leaders accountable and ensure that power is exercised for the public good rather than personal or political gain. “We have been robbed of our dignity as young people and how our future has been stolen from us. We will not forget to hold them accountable for our suffering,” he declared.
Opare Addo also mentioned that several individuals who previously criticised former President John Dramani Mahama have since apologised for their actions.
He suggested that the NPP’s efforts to amass wealth involved damaging Mahama’s reputation. “Today many of them have come out to apologise to him [Mahama] for what they did. For them to be able to amass this wealth and steal from us, they needed to destroy his reputation,” he added.
These accusations come at a time when the political climate in Ghana is highly charged, with both major parties gearing up for future elections. The NDC youth manifesto launch provided a platform for the party to address grievances and rally support, particularly among the youth, who are seen as a crucial demographic in the upcoming elections.