Musah Superior, a seasoned member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Deputy CEO of the Forestry Commission, has levelled pointed criticism at former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s inner circle, asserting that the former president surrounded himself with detrimental advisors who ultimately contributed to the perceived downfall of his administration. Superior, in an interview, expressed his belief that Akufo-Addo, whom he considers a good man at heart, will eventually come to regret the choice of advisors he kept close during his presidency. This regret, according to Superior, will stem from the realization that these advisors, rather than bolstering his leadership, actively contributed to undermining his effectiveness and sullying his legacy. Superior’s critique highlights a critical aspect of leadership: the significant influence of advisors on a leader’s decisions and, consequently, their overall success or failure.
Superior specifically singled out Asante Bediatuo, the former Executive Secretary to the President, as a prime example of this negative influence. He recounted a personal experience where Bediatuo allegedly treated him with disrespect during a visit to the presidency. This incident, where Superior was seeking assistance alongside another party member, left him with a deep sense of indignation, not only due to the perceived rudeness directed towards him but also because it exemplified what he viewed as a broader pattern of dismissive behaviour displayed by Bediatuo towards others. This perceived arrogance and lack of respect, according to Superior, created a toxic environment within the presidency, hindering effective communication and collaboration. Superior’s assertion paints a picture of an administration where access to the president was controlled by individuals who, through their conduct, created barriers rather than facilitating smooth operations.
Adding another layer to his criticism, Superior also called out Sarasu Atta, another individual within the presidential circle, for her alleged rude behaviour. He characterized her interactions with visitors as being dismissive and unprofessional, suggesting a wider culture of disrespect within the presidency. By highlighting the conduct of both Bediatuo and Atta, Superior sought to illustrate a systemic issue, suggesting that the problem was not limited to individual personalities but representative of a broader cultural problem within Akufo-Addo’s administration. This, he implies, created a climate where valuable input and perspectives were potentially disregarded, contributing to the perceived failures of Akufo-Addo’s presidency.
Superior’s condemnation of these advisors stems from his belief that their behaviour actively damaged the president’s reputation and eroded public trust in his administration. He argues that their actions created a disconnect between the president and the people he served, leading to a perception of aloofness and insensitivity. By placing blame on these advisors, Superior essentially constructs a narrative where Akufo-Addo, a fundamentally good leader, was let down by those he entrusted with supporting his leadership. This narrative emphasizes the importance of not only choosing competent advisors but also fostering a culture of respect and open communication within any leadership structure.
The broader implications of Superior’s accusations extend beyond mere personal grievances. His assertions touch upon the vital role advisors play in shaping a leader’s decisions and, consequently, the impact of those decisions on governance and public perception. He highlights the potential dangers of surrounding oneself with individuals who prioritize personal agendas or exhibit behaviours that alienate others. This, he suggests, can lead to an echo chamber effect, isolating the leader from critical feedback and potentially leading to poor decision-making. Superior’s critique underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with advisors who are not only competent but also possess strong ethical principles and a commitment to serving the greater good.
In essence, Superior’s critique of Akufo-Addo’s inner circle serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of surrounding oneself with the right advisors. He argues that while Akufo-Addo might have had good intentions, the influence of these advisors ultimately undermined his leadership and contributed to his perceived failures. By highlighting the alleged behaviours of Bediatuo and Atta, Superior underscores the detrimental impact of arrogance, disrespect, and poor communication within any leadership structure. His statements serve as a reminder that even a well-intentioned leader can be led astray by those entrusted with guiding them, emphasizing the crucial need for leaders to carefully select their advisors and cultivate a culture of open communication and mutual respect.
