In the aftermath of Ghana’s December 2024 general elections, a change in administration has ushered in new political dynamics, conversations, and scrutiny. As expected in a democracy, political actors and commentators are beginning to reassume their roles in the public space. However, it is difficult to ignore the sudden re-emergence of the ‘Thinking Aloud’ columnist, a former appointee of the defeated New Patriotic Party (NPP) government—one who, during his tenure, was conspicuously silent, but has now returned to the pages of a state-owned newspaper, Daily Graphic, with scathing criticisms of the new administration.
It is not the act of criticism itself that raises eyebrows—indeed, robust critique is essential to a thriving democracy—but rather the conspicuous timing and selective memory that demands closer examination. For a public servant who enjoyed years of political power and influence without picking up his pen even once to express concern for the worsening plights of ordinary Ghanaians, the sudden outpouring of opinion appears disingenuous at best and opportunistic at worst.
This article seeks not to silence dissent, but to draw his attention to the historical record—one littered with economic pain, democratic backsliding, and widespread public frustration during the very administration in which he served so comfortably, but has suddenly discovered ‘Crabs and Scorpions’ in this regime- Daily Graphic, 22 May, 2025, page 10.
For eight years, Ghanaians watched the steady erosion of economic stability. From skyrocketing inflation and currency depreciation to unsustainable debt levels, the government under which ‘Thinking Aloud’ served left the country in one of its worst economic crises in recent memory. And yet, throughout this period, not a single column appeared under his name acknowledging these challenges, offering solutions, or expressing solidarity with suffering citizens.
The author stopped Thinking Aloud as inflation hit 54.1% in late 2022—the highest in two decades. Where were his words when thousands of jobs were lost, savings were eroded, and utility tariffs surged beyond affordability? The silence then was not just unfortunate; it was an abdication of responsibility from someone who now wants to style himself as a national conscience. Recruitment into the security services was strictly by ‘protocol’, a system that became a source of lucrative job for fraudsters.
It is essential to remind my friend, Wofa Yaw—and the readers of his resurrected column—of some of the economic pain endured by ordinary Ghanaians under the NPP administration.
For instance, Ghana’s public debt soared to unsustainable levels during the previous regime, culminating in the country defaulting on its external debt in 2022. This led to a rushed agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which came with stringent conditionalities that hurt the average citizen, not forgetting haircut that left pot-shining heads with permanent bruises. Pensioners, for example, were made to participate in a domestic debt exchange programme, sacrificing their hard-earned savings to clean up a mess they didn’t create.
Not only that but also the Ghana cedi saw historic depreciation, losing over 50% of its value in just one year at one point. This pushed import costs up and placed immense pressure on households and businesses. Imported medicines, essential foods, and transportation costs soared, yet there was no column from this columnist lamenting this burden. Thank God transport fares across the board are going down by 15% while the Cedi keeps unleashing hefty blows to the United State Dollar and the rest.
Furthermore, prices of basic goods—kenkey, fuel, cooking oil, transport—became unaffordable. Workers’ wages remained stagnant while living costs spiralled. Food inflation peaked at nearly 60%. What did ‘Thinking Aloud’ have to say then? Nothing, reminiscent of the three wise monkeys: ‘Hear nothing, see nothing, and say nothing,’ became his slogan, thus disappointing some of us his fans.
Also, flagship programmes like NABCO and “One District, One Factory,” youth unemployment remained dangerously high. (Do you remember the exchanges the then agricultural minister, Dr Akoto, had with some plantain sellers who challenged him about his claim of food stuffs being very cheap?).
Many graduates wandered the streets without opportunities. Nurses picketing at the sector ministry demanding job placements became a common spectacle. Yet not a single word was published in those years to call for introspection or reform. The few nurses whom providence smiled upon were those who had unshakeable family ties with the powers that be.
Beyond the economic woes, the administration in which this columnist served left behind a troubling record of governance. Corruption allegations, democratic backsliding, and disrespect for state institutions became commonplace. Discoveries of corruption-related issues today are nothing strange to us, for ‘whenever the frog lies motionless’, it is said, ‘children now have the comfort to measure its length’. What is disturbing, however, is the magnitude of the rot, although everyone must ‘chop’ from their office.
From the PDS scandal to the mismanagement of COVID-19 funds, corruption allegations were often swiftly swept deep under the double-layer carpet or met with stone denials. Civil society groups that raised concerns were ignored or attacked. And yet, ‘Thinking Aloud’ confined his thought to himself and never saw the need to promote accountability.
During the NPP’s tenure, Ghana dropped significantly on the World Press Freedom Index. Journalists were harassed, arrested, and, in some cases, assaulted. A journalist, Ahmed Suale, was even murdered in cold blood while another fled into exile and yet ‘Thinking Aloud’ failed to think to promote media freedom under Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution.
Not a single article came from his pen to defend press freedom or condemn these abuses. It is interesting how he suddenly remembered that his pen has gone into comma and needs to be resurrected.
Sure, public service appointments became increasingly politicised. Contracts and state programmes were often allocated based on loyalty rather than competence. Institutions that were supposed to be independent were seen to act in the interest of the government. Silence once again prevailed. The media reported that an apostle of the previous administration has taken a case to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to get the dismissal of some people deemed to have been appointed through political patronage of the NPP halted. Why did they not do unto others as they would want them treated? When you inflict a sore on someone, it may heal but the scar remains a reminder. Some of these petitions should be handed over to ordinary party members to champion rather than the beneficiaries being the crusaders; the distinction and motive become blurred.
While some infrastructure projects were indeed initiated, many communities continued to lack potable water, healthcare facilities, and quality education. Road projects were politicised and unevenly distributed. The then president made this clear in his public speeches about Central Region and during the Akosombo Dam spillage when he went to Mepe in the North Tongu District. The former appointee, enjoying the privileges of office, remained comfortably quiet. I wish he had thought aloud on this.
Now, after a crushing electoral defeat, he has chosen to resume his public commentary—suddenly concerned with the performance of a government that has barely completed its first year in office, but with prolonged applause from the general public- do not ask for a research report. His new-found energy would have been commendable if it had been applied with equal vigour during his own time in power.
True public intellectuals speak truth to power regardless of who is in office. They do not wait for the discomfort of opposition before finding their voice. They use their platforms to advocate for justice, equity, and development consistently—not selectively.
If the former appointee wants to be taken seriously as a columnist and national commentator, he must begin by acknowledging the pain inflicted by the administration he served. He must demonstrate humility and a willingness to critique not just others, but his own record. Ghana needs thought leaders who are principled, not partisan; honest, not hypocritical.
No government is perfect. The new administration will undoubtedly make genuine mistakes, and it is both fair and necessary that these are pointed out. But criticisms must be grounded in honesty and fairness, not the kind of pretence we are beginning to see of Women Aglow headed by GiftyAfenyiDadzie, a member of the Council of State of the outgone regime and rejuvenated Ghana Bar Association. How credible the suspicion that the stalled cathedral project is the brainchild of Women Aglow who failed to glow in the past eight years? Could it be that there were no national issues with magnitude worth their attention?
By B.K. Segbefia
(re.shuffle@yahoo.com)
