Sammi Awuku Raises Alarm Over Silent Watchdogs Amid Democratic Tensions
Sammi Awuku, Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has raised alarm over what he considers the troubling silence of Ghana’s clergy, civil society groups and moral leaders amid developments he believes pose risks to the country’s democratic stability.
In a Facebook post, he drew attention to a series of recent events that he says form a concerning trend. These include the removal of the Chief Justice, the Ablekuma North rerun, disputes over the late Ernest Yaw Kumi’s parliamentary seat, rising tensions in Kpandai following a disputed rerun, efforts to remove the leadership of the Electoral Commission and the Special Prosecutor, and a bill now before Parliament seeking to dissolve the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
He cautioned that Ghana is at a critical point and urged citizens across the political divide to speak up. According to him, remaining silent now could jeopardise the future the country intends to build for the next generation.
Awuku also suggested that there may be an attempt to push Ghana towards a one-party system and weaken key accountability institutions. He described such a direction as dangerous and a threat to national stability.
He appealed to President John Mahama to safeguard his legacy by rejecting any proposals to adjust constitutional limits or consider arrangements that could extend executive power. He noted that Ghana’s former presidents, including Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, all upheld the constitutional order.
Awuku stressed that elections give citizens the right to either renew or withdraw their mandate and reminded leaders that political power is granted by the people. He said no individual or political organisation should ever be allowed to rise above the nation.
What concerns him most, he added, is the quiet response from groups that traditionally serve as watchdogs over national governance. He warned that their silence at such a decisive moment could allow lasting damage to go unchecked.
He ended by reaffirming his own commitment to speak up, insisting that defending Ghana’s democracy is a responsibility owed to future generations.
