Former Manhyia North MP, Collins Owusu Amankwah, has warned that even a globally celebrated leader like former U.S. President Barack Obama would fail as a minister in Ghana if citizens continue to blame leaders without holding wrongdoers accountable.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on Wednesday, February 18, Mr. Amankwah argued that governance challenges, including illegal mining and other pressing issues, are not solely the fault of ministers or heads of institutions. He pointed to a culture of impunity where public sector offenders are shielded instead of being named and shamed.
“If we continue to blame ministers and institutional heads while failing to hold individuals accountable, even Barack Obama will fail bitterly as a minister in Ghana,” he stressed.
Mr. Amankwah, who also served on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, emphasised that leadership can only thrive when citizens demand responsibility from individuals engaging in misconduct rather than placing the entire burden on political officeholders.
His remarks add to ongoing debates about governance and accountability in Ghana, drawing a striking comparison with Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President, often lauded for his calm and inspirational leadership.
The comments follow statements by Kwasi Addai Odike, founder of the Union Government, who attributed challenges such as illegal mining, cocoa sector difficulties, and corruption in state institutions to excessive presidential powers under the 1992 Constitution.
Odike also criticised the government’s decision to reduce cocoa purchasing prices, describing President Mahama’s “reset agenda” as a failure.
Meanwhile, Joseph Azumah, MP for Akrofuom Constituency, accused the opposition NPP of politicising issues in the cocoa sector.
ALSO READ:
Restore old cocoa price – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah tells Mahama
NPP releases nationwide reorganisation schedule from March to September 2026
