The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has issued a stark warning about the state of governance in Ghana, attributing a multitude of challenges to the previous administration led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The GFL argues that the former government’s actions have created a climate of disillusionment and eroded public trust in key institutions, posing a significant threat to the nation’s democratic development. Mr. Abraham Koomson, Secretary General of the GFL, articulated these concerns, citing economic mismanagement, political missteps, and a decline in judicial integrity as primary areas of concern. He stressed the urgent need for the current administration, under President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman, to implement corrective measures and restore public confidence.
The GFL’s critique centers on the economic legacy of the previous administration, characterized by soaring inflation, high unemployment, and a crippling national debt. Mr. Koomson accused the former government of prioritizing political and personal interests over sound economic practices, leading to a decline in the industrial sector. He pointed to inadequate infrastructure, high energy costs, and a lack of competitiveness as key factors contributing to the exodus of investors and widespread job losses. This economic downturn, according to the GFL, has fueled public discontent and eroded trust in the government’s ability to manage the nation’s finances.
Beyond economic woes, the GFL also expressed deep concern about the state of political governance under the previous administration. Mr. Koomson highlighted a growing sense of disenfranchisement among citizens, particularly among the youth and workers. He argued that the former government’s actions had undermined public confidence in the political system, leaving many Ghanaians looking to the current administration to reset the national development agenda. This loss of faith, according to the GFL, represents a serious threat to the stability and legitimacy of democratic processes in Ghana.
The GFL’s critique extends to the judiciary, which Mr. Koomson claims suffered a decline in public trust under the former administration. He argued that mismanagement within the judicial sector further eroded public confidence in the rule of law and access to justice. This perceived decline in judicial integrity, coupled with economic hardship and political disenfranchisement, paints a picture of widespread institutional decay, according to the GFL. Restoring public trust in these critical institutions is seen as a paramount task for the new administration.
A key element of the GFL’s criticism focuses on electoral governance. Mr. Koomson accused the former president of compromising the integrity of the Electoral Commission (EC) through politically motivated appointments. He argued that these appointments undermined the impartiality of the EC and exposed it to criticism, highlighting the need for reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in electoral processes. The GFL believes that restoring public confidence in the EC is essential for ensuring free and fair elections and upholding the democratic principles of the nation.
In light of these alleged governance failures, the GFL has called on the new administration to take decisive action. Mr. Koomson emphasized the need for pragmatic measures to restore confidence in the economy, the judiciary, and other critical institutions. He urged the government to prioritize competency in appointments and depart from the practices of the previous administration. The GFL believes that strong and knowledgeable leadership is essential to steer Ghana towards economic recovery and rebuild public trust in governance. The federation has expressed its hope that President Mahama and Vice President Prof. Opoku Agyeman will deliver meaningful change and address the pressing challenges facing the nation. The GFL’s pronouncements represent a significant call for accountability and a roadmap for restoring public trust in Ghana’s governance structures.
