In a bold and critical statement, former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has accused President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of engaging in what he describes as politically motivated “last-minute” project commissioning. According to Amidu, the government’s sudden rush to inaugurate numerous infrastructural projects is a strategic ploy aimed at influencing public perception ahead of the 2024 general elections (ghanaweb).
Amidu’s critique centers on the timing and intent behind the flurry of project inaugurations. He claims that the government’s focus on ribbon-cutting ceremonies at this late stage of its administration is less about delivering meaningful development and more about creating an illusion of progress.
“Governance is not about staging ceremonies to win votes,” Amidu stated. “It’s about implementing policies and projects that genuinely uplift the lives of citizens. These hastily commissioned projects raise serious doubts about their readiness and the government’s commitment to sustainability”(ghanaweb).
Amidu further alleged that some of the projects were rushed to completion without the requisite operational frameworks or adequate funding for maintenance. This, he argues, could render them ineffective in the long term, wasting valuable public resources.
The former Special Prosecutor pointed out that the phenomenon of political expediency is not unique to the current administration but has become a recurring pattern in Ghanaian politics. Governments often resort to hurried project commissioning during election periods as a means of swaying voters. However, Amidu warned that such practices undermine public trust in leadership and hinder long-term development.
“Citizens deserve better than political theatrics,” he asserted. “The focus should be on completing projects properly and ensuring they deliver the intended benefits, not rushing to cut ribbons for political mileage” (ghanaweb).
In the case of transparency,Amidu also raised questions about transparency in the execution of these projects. He called on civil society and media organizations to scrutinize the funding, implementation, and operational readiness of the commissioned developments.
“Taxpayers have the right to know whether their money is being used effectively,” he said. “If these projects are only half-finished or poorly planned, the nation pays the price in lost opportunities and wasted resources”(ghanaweb).
In response, government officials have defended the recent spate of project commissioning as part of a broader strategy to fulfill campaign promises and deliver on development goals. They argue that the projects represent years of hard work and planning, dismissing claims that they are politically motivated.
Nevertheless, Amidu’s remarks have sparked significant public debate, with many questioning the timing and effectiveness of the government’s actions.
Amidu’s critique highlights the need for a shift in Ghana’s political culture. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing long-term development over short-term electoral gains, urging leaders to focus on sustainable governance.
“True leadership requires vision and integrity,” Amidu said. “The people of Ghana deserve a government that puts their needs above political expediency” (ghanaweb ).
Martin Amidu’s sharp critique of President Akufo-Addo’s “last-minute” project commissioning underscores growing frustrations among citizens about governance and accountability. As the nation heads into the 2024 elections, his words serve as a wake-up call for both leaders and voters to prioritize meaningful development over political theatrics. Whether these criticisms will lead to substantive changes in governance practices remains to be seen.
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