George Opare Addo accuses clergy of bias, silence on corruption under NPP

George Opare Addo, the National Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused members of the clergy of showing bias in favor of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) while remaining silent on allegations of corruption and state capture under the current government.

Mr. Opare Addo expressed his concerns during the NDC’s youth manifesto presentation, where he criticized religious leaders, some civil society organizations, and certain media outlets for their perceived partiality.

According to Opare Addo, these religious figures and organizations had previously supported the NPP openly, helping to shape public opinion in favor of the party.

However, he accused them of now turning a blind eye to the alleged corruption and hardships imposed on Ghanaians by the administration of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

“They rallied self-centred clergymen and women, corrupt civil society groups, and rented media to achieve this agenda. Today, these men of God have disappeared and turned deaf and blind to the wanton acts of corruption, state capture, and untold hardships unleashed on Ghanaians by Bawumia and Akufo-Addo," Opare Addo stated, expressing his frustration over the perceived silence.

Mr. Opare Addo also made a strong call to action, urging the youth of Ghana not to stand idly by while politicians engage in what he described as state capture.

He emphasized that young people are becoming increasingly vigilant and determined to hold elected officials accountable, ensuring that power is used for the benefit of the people rather than for personal or party gain.

“We have been robbed of our dignity as young people and our future has been stolen from us. We will not forget to hold them accountable for our suffering,” he declared, signaling a renewed resolve among the youth to demand justice and transparency.

He also noted that some of those who once opposed former President John Mahama have since come forward to apologize, acknowledging that his reputation was tarnished as part of a broader agenda to consolidate power.

"Today, many of them have come out to apologize to him [Mahama] for what they did. For them to be able to amass this wealth and steal from us, they needed to destroy his reputation," Opare Addo added.

As the NDC gears up for the 2024 elections, Opare Addo’s remarks reflect the party’s strategy of mobilizing youth support and challenging the integrity of the current administration.

His accusations of bias and corruption are likely to fuel further political debate as the election approaches, with both parties seeking to sway public opinion in their favor.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith