Ghana’s socio-economic challenges are often attributed to a myriad of factors, including poor governance, corruption, and mismanagement of resources. However, a less obvious but equally significant cause lies in the betrayal of trust by individuals who ought to be the moral and intellectual compass of society-senior journalists, religious leaders, chiefs, and opinion leaders. Many of these figures, rather than acting as the voices of truth and conscience, have become political actors in disguise, misleading the public and obstructing Ghana’s development.

The Stomach Journalist: Propagandists Masquerading as Reporters

Journalism is widely regarded as the fourth estate of the realm-a watchdog over governance and a voice for the voiceless. In Ghana, however, many of the so-called senior journalists have betrayed this sacred duty and are in bed with this inept, visionless, and corrupt NPP government. Often referred to as “stomach journalists,” they have traded their integrity for personal gains, becoming mouthpieces for political elites rather than defenders of public interest. Names like Kweku Baako jnr, Kwame Safa kayi, Paul Adom Otchere, and many other NPP journalists come to mind. These meet regularly to plan and strategize on how to defend the government in the event of scandals against the government.

These journalists manipulate public opinion through selective reporting, misinformation, disinformation, and outright propaganda, serving the interests of the highest bidder. Rather than holding all politicians accountable, they have become accomplices in the perpetuation of corruption, nepotism, and incompetence. Instead of holding this government accountable, they defend it, and attack the opposition NDC for demanding accountability from the NPP government. These surrogates who were so vociferous when Mahama was president are in full swing defending the ills of this government. The only time they uphold their sacred duty is when NDC is in government. Their betrayal is not merely a professional failure but a betrayal of the Ghanaian people, whose trust they have violated for personal profit.

Religious Leaders: Political Puppets Cloaked in Spiritual Authority

Religion plays a vital role in Ghanaian society, with religious leaders often viewed as moral authorities. However, a significant number of these leaders have compromised their integrity by aligning with political interests. They exploit the trust and respect they command to influence their congregations for political gain, often becoming silent on issues of national importance when it suits their political allies. Many NPP surrogates disguised as religious leaders are leveraging their influence to benefit financially from this government. These leaders are aligning themselves with the government to secure contracts, land deals, and other forms of financial gains. Rather than condemning corruption, poverty, and injustice that has plagued Ghana for almost eight years now, these leaders choose to stay quiet, endorsing or condoning political misdeeds.

Only in today’s Ghana that one can find a pastor with double identity- two birthdays, two mothers, and two names. Pastor Emmanuel Martey, a former moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, was vocal in criticizing the NDC administration under John Mahama. However, his outspokenness faded immediately the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took office under President Nana Akufo-Addo. Martey's silence during the numerous scandals and governance challenges under the NPP raises accusations of inconsistency.

His failure to address similar or more serious issues with the same vigor is a sign of hypocrisy or bias. This selective criticism cast doubt on Pastor Martey’s neutrality and sincerity, labeling his activism as politically motivated, only condemning wrongdoing when it involved parties he opposed.

The peace council of today is a political appendage of the inept, and corrupt NPP administration. By doing so, they become complicit in the stagnation of Ghana’s progress. The misuse of their spiritual authority for political purposes is a scam of the highest order, one that has led to the moral decay of society and the further entrenchment of corrupt practices.

Opinion Leaders: Gatekeepers of Progress or Protectors of Privilege?

In Ghana, Opinion leaders are expected to shape national discourse, providing insight and direction on critical issues. However, many of these figures are deeply enmeshed in the political system, using their platforms to protect their own interests rather than advance the public good.

They present themselves as independent thinkers and analysts, but behind the scenes, they are political operatives working to maintain the status quo. Their analyses are often skewed to favor their political patrons, leading to a misinformed public and a fractured national dialogue. By pretending to be neutral while pursuing political agendas, these opinion leaders have obstructed efforts to implement meaningful reforms and hold the government accountable.

The Result: A Nation Held Hostage by Deception

The collective actions of these political actors in disguise-stomach journalists, compromised religious leaders, and biased opinion leaders-have deeply harmed Ghana’s socio-economic progress. Their betrayal of trust has allowed corruption and incompetence to thrive while stifling the voices that should be calling for reform and transparency.

Rather than being the bulwarks of democracy, they have become agents of deception, shielding politicians from accountability and promoting mediocrity in governance. The Ghanaian people, who look to these figures for guidance and truth, have been left disillusioned, their hopes for progress thwarted by the very people who should have been their champions.

The Way Forward: Restoring Integrity to Ghana’s Institutions

For Ghana to overcome its socio-economic challenges, there must be a restoration of integrity within these key sectors of society. Journalists must recommit to the principles of truth and accountability, rejecting political patronage and serving the public interest. Religious leaders must reclaim their role as moral guardians, speaking truth to power without fear or favor. Opinion leaders, too, must prioritize national progress over personal gain, offering unbiased analysis and promoting meaningful dialogue.

The fight for Ghana’s future depends not only on political reforms but on a reawakening of societal values. Only by holding these influential figures accountable for their actions can Ghanaians hope to build a society that is just, equitable, and truly representative of the people’s aspirations.

In conclusion, the socio-economic problems Ghana faces today are not merely the result of poor governance or lack of resources-they are, in large part, self-inflicted by those who have abused their positions of influence. By pretending to be what they are not, these stomach journalists, religious leaders, and opinion leaders have scammed Ghanaians, obstructed progress and perpetuating a system that benefits the few at the expense of the many. It is time for a new era of accountability, transparency, and true leadership. Only then can Ghana realize its full potential.

Cletus Siebune

New York, USA.