By Daniel Bampoe
Minority Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has raised concerns over what he describes as a growing number of troubling developments confronting Ghana, warning that the country cannot afford to become accustomed to one crisis after another while waiting for the next general election.
In a strongly worded reflection, the legislator said the December 7, 2028 election may seem distant, but the more immediate concern should be the damage that could be done to the country before voters have another chance to make a political decision.
His comments come amid a series of controversies spanning security, illegal mining, narcotics trafficking, education, the cost of living and the country’s international image.
Awuku cited the recent arrest and remand of Techiman-based nurse Salomey Awiti Bafoh, whose case has generated political and public debate over the circumstances of her arrest and her alleged connection to the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account. The Police have charged her with abetment of publication of false news and say investigations are ongoing. She has not been convicted of the allegation.
The MP also pointed to the continuing destruction of the water bodies through illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, arguing that repeated promises to address the problem have yet to end public concern over its environmental consequences.
Another major issue highlighted by Sammi Awuku is the growing association with international narcotics seizures. The Minority in Parliament has demanded an independent parliamentary inquiry into major drug seizures linked to Ghana, claiming the consignments involved have a combined value exceeding US$1 billion over the past 18 months.
The Minority has cited seizures including more than three tonnes of cocaine intercepted at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast in March 2025, as well as major seizures abroad involving consignments allegedly traced to Ghana. These claims have prompted calls for responsible state institutions to account for investigations and security at the country’s ports, airports and territorial waters.
Sammi Awuku further referred to the difficulties surrounding the 2026 Senior High School placement exercise, which has left parents and students frustrated over school placements and the resolution of placement problems.
He added rising fuel prices and broader cost-of-living pressures to the list of concerns, arguing that these issues have a direct impact on ordinary households and their ability to meet daily expenses.
The Akuapem North MP also mentioned the controversy surrounding alleged visa facilitation arrangements connected to the National Sports Authority (NSA) and travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minority has called for the suspension or dismissal of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah while investigations continue into allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from prospective travellers in connection with visa facilitation.
The NSA has rejected the allegations, stating that it did not authorise visa-related activities or the collection of money at its offices or stadium premises. The Authority has also said it is prepared to cooperate with any police investigation and cautioned against treating unverified allegations as facts.
Against this backdrop, Sammi Awuku’s broader argument is that the individual controversies should not be viewed merely as isolated incidents. He contends that together they touch on national security, livelihoods, public institutions, Ghana’s international reputation and the prospects of ordinary citizens.
“What should concern us is how much damage may be done before then,” he said, referring to the period leading to the 2028 elections.
He warned that a dangerous aspect of the current situation is the possibility that Ghanaians could gradually become accustomed to recurring controversies, with each new development followed by explanations, assurances and promises that corrective measures will come later.
He argued that Ghana must not normalise developments that undermine confidence in public institutions or threaten the welfare and security of citizens.
“If all of this cannot trigger a sense of urgency at the highest levels, then we have a much bigger problem than the individual issues before us,” he stated.
The MP’s intervention adds to a growing political debate over how the government is responding to multiple challenges confronting the country, while the administration and its agencies continue to defend their actions and, in several instances, dispute allegations made by opposition figures.
However, Samm Awuku concluded his message with a call for Ghanaians to demand accountability and take the country’s future seriously, warning that the consequences of today’s decisions will extend beyond the next election cycle.
