Civil Society Organizations In Cahoots With The Government: A Threat To National Interest

In a nation where civil society organizations play a crucial role in shaping governance and democracy, the recent disclosures regarding CSOs being part of the same WhatsApp group as government officials are disconcerting.

The director of communication for the Special Prosecutor's office first brought this situation to light on Newsfile, revealing that they were part of the same group with the government and other CSOs.

Disgustingly, the Executive Director of Transparency International, on last Saturday's Newsfile program, corroborated the existence of the government WhatsApp Group with CSOs who are supposed to be independent and not controlled by the government.

Given the above, government communicators and some CSOs have openly defended the existence of the government WhatsApp Group with baseless reasoning.

However, the true intentions behind the formation of this group, comprising civil society groups and others, are deeply worrying and troubling.

To state clearly, the primary purpose of CSOs in the country is to provide independent, solutions-oriented measures to address the nation's problems.

Notably, since this government took office with a reset agenda to address the country's challenges, it was expected that CSOs would be given the freedom to operate.

Unfortunately, the collaboration of these critical minds and voices on one platform is a clear indication of attempts to silence them and prevent the exposure of the government's ills.

Over the past year, under President Mahama's leadership, several issues have surfaced, including deteriorating galamsey activities, the sale of gold reserves and losses incurred, the U-turn on LGBTQ+, unpaid teachers and nurses.

Others include, high electricity costs, water and transportation challenges, sole sourcing of contracts, revocation of appointments of Ghanaian youth, and the high cost of living in the country.

Under normal circumstances, many expected the CSOs to independently highlight these numerous problems the country is grappling with under President Mahama.

That being said, it is surprising to note that Mr. Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Ghana, has assumed the role of a government apologist whenever issues of public concern are raised, rather than maintaining his independence and exposing the government's wrongdoing.

Instead of fulfilling his role as a watchdog, he has been advocating for the government, highlighting the need for CSOs to maintain their independence.

Similarly, Mr. Steve Manteaw, who was previously critical of the NPP, has unexpectedly become a vocal defender of Goldbod and the alleged state capture of the mines by the family of President Mahama.

His defense of this NDC administration on Facebook has been marked by attacks on individuals with differing viewpoints on governance.

Furthermore, the actions of Mr. Franklin Cudjoe and others have raised concerns regarding the independence of CSOs in the country and their core mandate.

The President of Transparency International's confirmation of the government WhatsApp Group has sparked renewed concerns about the independence of CSOs.

A cursory examination of the situation reveals that CSOs are being co-opted by the government, undermining their independence.

This development has both scandalized and alarmed me, as it threatens to silence critical voices and stifle dissent.

Ultimately, the country will be the greatest loser if CSOs' voices are suppressed by the government. Where, then, lies the promised reset, with CSOs doing the government's bidding?

This is a misguided move that will continue to hinder the growth and development of the country.

I urge CSOs being influenced by the government to reflect on the consequences of their actions, which undermine good governance and democratic principles.

Ghana's interests transcend individual parochial concerns, and this government will not remain in power forever.

Let us rise above individual interests and work towards Ghana's development and growth.

Shalom!
By: Abdulai Abdul-Razak Tamale South Constituency Secretary aspirant, NPP.

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