Private legal practitioner and social activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has criticised Ghana’s political culture, describing it as intolerant of dissenting views.
Barker-Vormawor said the country’s political environment is dominated by sycophancy, where individuals are reluctant to challenge authority.
He argued that members of political parties who attempt to challenge internal decisions are often victimised or sidelined.
Citing examples, Barker-Vormawor referenced former NDC Deputy General Secretary, Koku Anyidoho, and former NPP stalwarts like Wireko Brobbey and Owusu Bempah, who, according to him, were pushed aside after expressing divergent opinions.
He described the culture as a “mafia” system, where party members are discouraged from airing grievances publicly.
“Ghanaian attitude around power is one of the most sycophantic I have ever experienced. People are not able to say no to anybody; everybody is trying to gain favour. You don’t scrutinise within. If you look at the party culture here, even those who are mavericks within the parties will speak out and are quickly attacked.
He added, “It is not for no reason that certain persons, whether Koku Anyidoho, who is excluded from the NDC or Wireko Brobbey, who was excluded from the NPP, or Owusu Bempah as well. The system doesn’t tolerate it, I see it as ‘mafia’ built where what is the dirty linen must be kept indoors. If not, your loyalty is questioned.”
