Goldmines and Landmines: Manasseh’s open letter to President Mahama

Dear President John Dramani Mahama

I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your decisive victory in the 2024 presidential elections and your return to leadership. While it’s still early days in your new administration, I must admit that the atmosphere of national dialogue under your leadership is far more positive than it was during the final years of the previous administration.

The toxic climate of oppression, nepotism, and unchecked impunity that marked the last eight years seems to have been replaced by an air of hope, and many Ghanaians feel that the country is on the cusp of meaningful change.

I understand that your office is currently inundated with a multitude of individuals seeking positions of power, some genuinely qualified, others motivated by personal gain. Nonetheless, I believe this is an opportune moment to share my thoughts with you, and I hope you will take a break from reviewing resumes to reflect on the matters I raise in this letter.

As a journalist, my role, as outlined in the 1992 Constitution, is to hold your administration accountable to the people of Ghana, and I intend to do so constructively. This letter aims to highlight opportunities (“goldmines”) that can strengthen your legacy and the nation, as well as pitfalls (“landmines”) that could hinder your efforts in resetting Ghana. I also want to share the standards by which many Ghanaians, including myself, will judge your presidency.

The Importance of Media Freedom and Civil Society

Before diving into policy recommendations, I must address a critical issue: I’ve seen some members of your party make disturbing comments about stifling dissent from the media and civil society, claiming they were silent during the Akufo-Addo administration and should be silenced now. Over the past eight years, I took every opportunity to contrast the media environment under your presidency with that of the Akufo-Addo era. During your time in office from 2013 to 2017, there was room for free expression, and dissent was not only tolerated but encouraged. However, under Akufo-Addo’s leadership, speaking out became a dangerous act, with many journalists and activists facing harassment, exile, or worse.

Despite the oppressive atmosphere, the civil society organizations (CSOs) that matter in Ghana held the government accountable, particularly in areas like anti-corruption and the extractive industries. Groups like these fought back against corrupt deals, including the Agyapa Royalties deal and the Aker Energy agreement. They also challenged the illegal removal of Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo. My own work during both your presidency and Akufo-Addo’s term has been focused on shining a light on corruption and holding those in power accountable, even at great personal risk.

I want to make it clear that, while I may have been quieter during Akufo-Addo’s era due to the repressive environment, I have always been committed to holding power to account. I don’t shy away from speaking out, and I expect the same freedom to speak up under your administration.

The Goldmines

1. Accountability and Justice (ORAL)
One of the most pressing demands from Ghanaians post-election has been for justice and accountability, particularly concerning the rampant corruption that plagued the previous administration. There is strong support for the “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) initiative, despite some claiming it could be politically motivated. However, there is nothing wrong with pursuing justice if those in question have indeed stolen public resources. Streamlining the legal process for ORAL and empowering your Attorney-General to prosecute those responsible could help restore public trust. You can cement your legacy by prioritizing transparency and holding those who looted the nation accountable.

2. Institutional Reforms
Governance is not just about building infrastructure or borrowing money to fund projects. While the economy is in a fragile state and will not allow for much immediate progress in terms of new projects, you have a unique opportunity to focus on institutional reforms that can lay the foundation for long-term success. The constitutional review committee you’ve established is a crucial step towards modernizing Ghana’s political institutions. Your government’s support for meaningful reforms can ensure that future generations benefit from more effective governance.

3. Cracking the Whip on Corruption
Some of your appointees may not be in office to serve the public but to enrich themselves. I urge you not to hesitate in removing any minister or official who engages in corruption or unethical behavior. Ghana cannot afford another administration that tolerates graft. Setting a strong example by taking swift action when scandals arise will help protect your legacy and secure the support of the Ghanaian people.

4. Ending Unjust Contracts (YEA and SML Scandals)
I have previously investigated scandals like the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) contract with Zoomlion, which unfairly siphoned public money through a deal that grossly underpaid sweepers. This contract should not be revived under your watch. Similarly, the SML scandal, which involved shady dealings in the petroleum sector, must be addressed. You made a promise during your campaign to cancel this contract, and I urge you to follow through on it. By doing so, you would send a strong message that you will not tolerate corruption in any form.

5. Election of Local Government Officials
One of the ways to decentralize power and bring governance closer to the people is through the non-partisan election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). I hope that, through your administration’s reforms, you will empower local governments to take charge of their development agendas, rather than having decisions made from Accra.

6. Supporting Northern Ghana and Addressing the Kayayei Issue
Thousands of women from northern Ghana, known as Kayayei, are forced to work as porters in markets in urban centers under appalling conditions. I urge you to pay greater attention to the development of the northern regions. Northern Ghana lags behind in terms of infrastructure and opportunities, and it’s high time that this imbalance is addressed. These women, and the youth in the north, deserve better opportunities and support.

The Landmines

1. The Challenge of Recovering Stolen Assets (ORAL)
While pursuing justice is important, recovering stolen wealth through ORAL comes with challenges. The Akufo-Addo administration’s attempt to recover looted funds ended in scandal, with accusations of improper handling of audits. To avoid similar pitfalls, your administration must ensure that the ORAL team operates with transparency and above reproach. If not handled carefully, this initiative could backfire and tarnish your government’s image.

2. The Influence of Jospong
The Jospong Group and its CEO, who has historically enjoyed close ties with politicians, represent a major conflict of interest. Their continued influence over public contracts and services undermines efforts to fight corruption. I strongly advise that your administration distance itself from Jospong’s operations, as their business practices are harmful to Ghana’s development.

3. Ambitious Ministers and Appointees
As President, you have the power to appoint and dismiss ministers, and I urge you not to let overly ambitious individuals derail your agenda. Your leadership must be strong and resolute. Do not allow appointees with personal agendas to take advantage of your presidency for their own gain.

4. Pressure from Traditional and Religious Leaders
Some powerful traditional rulers and religious leaders may seek to influence your decisions, particularly when it comes to controversial matters or holding powerful individuals accountable. While it’s important to listen to advice, be wary of those who may seek to protect corrupt individuals or institutions. The people of Ghana voted for you, not them, and it is your duty to act in the best interest of the nation.

5. National Security and Galamsey
Ghana faces significant security threats from extremist groups in the Sahel region, as well as the domestic threat posed by illegal mining, known as galamsey. The devastation caused by galamsey to the environment and to communities is a serious issue that requires political will to address. Combating illegal mining must be a priority if we are to safeguard our country’s resources for future generations.

6. Focus on Real Solutions, Not Populism
While many campaign promises were made to win votes, some of them may not be sustainable or effective in addressing Ghana’s long-term problems. I encourage you to focus on policies that will bring about genuine solutions, rather than short-term populist measures that might seem appealing but will ultimately fail to solve the deeper issues facing the country.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope that you succeed as President, as your success will mean success for all of Ghana. The challenges you face are immense, but with honest commitment, hard work, and a focus on the long-term, your administration can lay the foundation for a better future. The country’s brightest minds are leaving for opportunities abroad, and it is up to you to reverse this trend by making Ghana a place where people can thrive.

I wish you all the best in your endeavors, Mr. President.

Yours sincerely,

Manasseh Azure Awuni

CC:

• Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
• Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah
• Executive Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama
• Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine
• Would-be CEO of the YEA
• Minister of Local Government-designate
• All Men and Women of Conscience in the Mahama Administration