Barker-Vormawor slams Ghana’s political culture as intolerant of dissent
Private legal practitioner and social activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has delivered a sharp critique of Ghana’s political landscape, describing it as deeply intolerant of dissent and dominated by a culture of sycophancy.
Speaking on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV on Wednesday, September 24, Barker-Vormawor argued that Ghana’s political parties tend to punish internal criticism rather than encourage debate or accountability.
“Ghanaian attitude around power is one of the most sycophantic I have ever experienced. People are not able to say no to anybody; everybody is trying to gain favour. You don’t scrutinise within. If you look at the party culture here, even those who are mavericks within the parties will speak out and are quickly attacked,” he said.
He lamented that individuals within political parties who attempt to challenge decisions or question leadership often face marginalisation or expulsion.
Citing specific examples, Barker-Vormawor referenced former NDC Deputy General Secretary Koku Anyidoho, and former NPP figures such as Wireko Brobbey and Owusu Bempah, who he claimed were sidelined for expressing views that diverged from the party line.
He said, “It is not for no reason that certain persons, whether Koku Anyidoho, who is excluded from the NDC or Wireko Brobbey, who was excluded from the NPP, or Owusu Bempah as well. The system doesn’t tolerate it, I see it as ‘mafia’ built where what is the dirty linen must be kept indoors. If not, your loyalty is questioned.”
He went on to describe the political environment as a “mafia-style” structure, where dissent is seen as disloyalty, and grievances are expected to be kept behind closed doors.
Barker-Vormawor’s comments add to ongoing public discourse around political intolerance, freedom of expression, and the state of internal democracy within Ghana’s major political parties.
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