Goldbod Controversy : Deliberate Distractions

We are all aware some recorded losses did occurred but where the controversy becomes troubling is the hypocritical attempt to blame those losses solely on GoldBod, deliberately crowding the discussion with partisan politics.

The Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) began during the NPP administration and repeatedly recorded losses. Yet, despite the programme's existence, the NPP government was unable to stabilise the cedi or prevent the severe deterioration of the economy.

If losses have occurred during the first year of the NDC administration, while the economy is simultaneously experiencing some remarkable stability in key indicators, should that achievement become the subject of a political controversy deliberately engineered by those who previously failed to stabilise the cedi?

It is becoming increasingly evident that some elements within the NPP have a problem with outstanding performers within the NDC. They opposed Mr Tsatsu Tsikata when he was doing an exceptional job consolidating the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). Today, a similar pattern appears to be emerging around Messrs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Samuel Nartey George and Sammy Gyamfi. By divine providence, these young men have demonstrated courage, competence and determination in their respective fields.

The NPP has, over the years, perfected what appears to be a strategy of hounding individuals perceived as threats to its political survival. They succeeded in dimming the fire of Mr Jakpa; therefore, what is happening with the GoldBod controversy may reasonably be viewed as an attempt to intimidate and unsettle Mr Sammy Gyamfi.

The hypocrisy surrounding this debate is becoming nauseating, particularly when some professionals and academics appear willing to defend what I consider the deliberate political gaffe of Mr Afenyo-Markin. His infamous "do me, I do you" posture and his threat to jail Sammy Gyamfi should the NPP return to power have exposed, at least in the eyes of many observers, the partisan nature of the GoldBod controversy.

The GoldBod debate also raises a broader question: does the NPP genuinely desire Ghana's economic progress, or every achievement of the current administration to be subjected to political sabotage?

Inflation had risen above 50 percent, the national debt had exceeded GH¢800 billion, and the exchange rate had deteriorated to approximately GH¢17 to US$1. The Russia-Ukraine war continues to have global economic consequences, while the escalating conflicts involving the United States, Iran and Israel present additional uncertainties for the world economy.

Yet, despite these difficult circumstances, the managers of Ghana's economy have succeeded in improving several economic indicators to levels that are encouraging and, in some respects, enviable. Rather than constantly searching for reasons to discredit these achievements, we should encourage policies and individuals who are contributing to Ghana's economic recovery. Where mistakes or losses occur, they should be investigated transparently and corrected without partisan distortion.

Ghana needs accountability, but accountability must not become a weapon for political intimidation. Let us commend good work where it deserves commendation and encourage those driving the country's economic recovery. Political expediency must never be allowed to distract the nation from progress.

Mike Kalley
Sociopolitical Analyst.