Dr. Samuel Sarpong Ankrah, Founder and Leader of the Alternative Force for Action (AFA), has leveled serious accusations against Ghana’s major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to Dr. Ankrah, these parties are leading Ghana back into a neo-colonial state, prioritizing the interests of a select few over the well-being of the broader populace.
His comments were made during an interview on ABC News Ghana with Joshua Nana Kwame Ayira on Thursday.
“Decision are being taken by parties which you sit back as an expect and its worrying. Because these two parties (NDC and NPP) have gotten themselves again in a Neo-Colonialist state, not doing things to benefit its people but to benefit a few and accomplices.”
” There are decisions that could have been taken that could have take this country far advance where we are, but because of certain accomplices, certain benefits kind of benefits that parties took from people before winning elections incumbent them from making that decisions.”
“One of this critical areas is our oil production and refining.”
Dr. Ankrah’s remarks come as part of his campaign efforts for the upcoming general election scheduled for December 7, 2024.
Speaking on his approach to the election, he emphasized the importance of engaging directly with the people rather than relying solely on media platforms.
“Instead of us sitting on TV stations and radio stations drumming noise of what we think we know but not reflecting on the ground,” he said, recalling his personal experiences with Shea Butter women in DaMango.
Dr. Ankrah, a seasoned investment banker and development economist, has an extensive background in finance and strategic leadership.
He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Partner of AIG (Ghana) and AIG International (Switzerland).
His roles include Chairman for Trade and Investment at the International Chamber of Commerce and Director at Kaitan Capital and Rampartners Switzerland. He is also a co-founder of the New Africa Mobility (NAM) Fund, which aims to support social impact projects across the continent.
Addressing the economic challenges facing Ghana, Dr. Ankrah criticized the current administration’s handling of the country’s oil sector.
He argued, “Decisions are being taken by parties which you sit back as an expert and it’s worrying. Because these two parties have gotten themselves again in a Neo-Colonialist state, not doing things to benefit its people but to benefit a few and accomplices.”
He highlighted the paradox of Ghana’s oil production, questioning why the country exports more crude oil than it consumes while missing out on domestic benefits.
Dr. Ankrah’s critique highlights a broader concern about the direction of Ghana’s economic policies and governance.
