How The NPP’s Hate Toward Non‑Party Writers Led To Their Downfall

Having witnessed how a small, disciplined cabinet, often not more than fifteen or eighteen ministers, can govern a nation effectively in Belgium, I found it striking to observe the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration under President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. Despite appointing more than 110 ministers, the government struggled to move the country forward, and meaningful progress remained elusive.

From the beginning, it was clear to me that the direction of governance was not sustainable and that the consequences would eventually confront the nation. In Ghana, where political tribalism often overwhelms national interest, I became a target of relentless verbal attacks simply for writing. Many of the NPP’s policies appeared attractive on paper, yet it was evident to me that they were crafted not for the collective good of Ghanaians.

It was clear that the NPP policies were crafted for a narrow circle of political and tribal loyalists. “Agyapadie” was concrete evidence of how wicked and selfish the NPP government was. Corruption, in my view, was visible to anyone who cared to look, but criticizing the government came at a high personal cost. A network of pro-government writers, radio hosts, and television personalities, many of whom benefited from state sponsorship, worked tirelessly to shield the administration from scrutiny.

President Akufo-Addo, whom I observed as someone determined to silence dissent, extended influence into religious institutions as well. Pastors who should have been moral voices became beneficiaries of state favors and, in return, defended actions that many citizens considered unethical. Akufo-Addo’s administration also became known for unprecedented political appointments.

He appointed the largest number of ministers in Ghana’s history and expanded the Supreme Court with judges perceived by critics as sympathetic to the government. With loyal writers, journalists, and judicial influence, the administration built what many saw as a fortified wall against accountability. Writers who refused to align with the government’s narrative were branded enemies. I experienced this firsthand.

Beyond the insults, I was removed from the list of GhanaWeb columnists. I believed it was intended to influence my writing. I made it clear I would neither accept a bribe nor publish the story they wanted. Only later did Ghanaians learn that the NPP had acquired GhanaWeb, with reports circulating that Vice President Bawumia had a stake in the platform. The attacks against me intensified, with some NPP-affiliated writers accusing me of being an NDC sympathizer simply because I refused to support wrongdoing.

It was a painful reminder of how tribalism can distort judgment and blind people to the dangers facing their own country. On one occasion, I wrote to an NPP minister urging the government to complete abandoned projects initiated by the previous administration. Instead of engaging constructively, the response I received was insults. By then, it was clear to me that the government had surrounded itself with individuals who benefited from its excesses and therefore refused to acknowledge its failures.

As the years passed, the consequences of governance choices became undeniable. Many Ghanaians grew frustrated with what they saw as widespread corruption, unfulfilled promises, and economic mismanagement. The administration’s handling of financial institutions, especially controversies surrounding the collapse of several banks, deepened public anger.

Critics argued that decisions taken by the Finance Ministry under Ken Ofori-Atta contributed to the collapse of businesses, investments, and confidence in the economy. By the end of Akufo-Addo’s eight-year tenure, public sentiment had shifted dramatically. Many citizens felt betrayed by a government they once trusted, and the ballot box reflected that disappointment.

A government that treats its critics as enemies ultimately weakens itself. Healthy democracies depend on dissent, accountability, and the courage of citizens who speak truth to power. When those who should have strengthened governance—journalists, clergy, advisors, and public institutions—choose personal gain over national duty, the result is predictable: public trust collapses.

The downfall of the NPP, as many observers have argued, was not caused by its opponents but by the actions of those within its own circle. State-sponsored praise, bribery, and the silencing of independent voices created an echo chamber that prevented the government from seeing its own mistakes. The collapse of the NPP wasn’t the fault of the incompetent government alone; its writers and columnists were also responsible.

Ghana deserves leaders who welcome criticism, not fear it; leaders who build institutions, not weaken them; and leaders who understand that power is temporary, but integrity is permanent. Criticism is essential for growth and accountability. When the NPP rejects criticism, it signals an unwillingness to change and resistance that poses a real threat to the nation’s democratic foundations.