Afanyi Dadzie writes: Criticising 'neutral' appointments misses the bigger picture in nation-building

I've lost track of the many familiar faces in the NDC government.

Some appointees, mostly academics, were thought to support the NPP. Yet, they are now serving under the current administration.

Critics may call this hypocrisy. They might argue these individuals were never neutral and only sought personal gain within the NDC.

However, politics is about numbers and strategy. Nation-building requires quality human resources to achieve national goals.

If talent comes from so-called neutrals, that’s acceptable.

The Constitution does not require a party card for public office. If individuals can offer valuable ideas from outside, they should be included in the system.

The other party had chances to engage these individuals too. Perhaps they didn’t have space or deemed them unsuitable. If someone else finds them worthy now, should they decline due to partisan opinions?

Every skill in this country should be viewed as a national asset. A floating voter’s ballot is crucial for elections, but their intellect matters for national development too.

Yes, politicians may use strategic appointments to silence critics at times. But are all appointments made solely for that reason? The NPP might also use similar strategies if they return to power.

Our politics has shifted away from ideological convictions long ago. Many choose political alignments based on practical needs rather than dogma.

What we see now shows a deliberate rebranding by the NDC. This aims to attract middle-class Ghanaians, academics, and technocrats. The opposition NPP must recognize and respond to this quickly.

New voices continue to emerge and contribute meaningfully from the sidelines. It’s wrong to assume critical voices in government leave no room for others.

At every moment, new voices rise because many haven’t yet stepped into the spotlight or challenged themselves.

Many leaders of Civil Society Organizations today weren’t active in the 2000s. Some older figures have retired or taken roles in past governments while others carry on their work.

There will never be a shortage of knowledge just because some critical voices hold official roles. The national conversation is broader than any individual; fresh voices will always keep it alive.

It’s time to rethink what neutrality, competence, and national service truly mean.


The writer is Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie, an Assistant News Editor at Myjoyonline.com.

Disclaimer: These views are solely mine and do not represent my organization.

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