A political analyst and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding calls to expel former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, following his description of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as “fake.”
Dr Zaato questioned the timing and credibility of Prof Frimpong-Boateng’s remarks, arguing that they raise serious concerns about political consistency and principle. He asked when exactly the former minister came to the conclusion that the NPP was fake.
According to him, Prof Frimpong-Boateng served as a cabinet minister between 2016 and 2017 under the NPP administration. Dr Zaato questioned whether the party was “fake” at the time Prof Frimpong-Boateng was appointed and enjoying the benefits of political power, and if so, why he did not openly express those concerns then.
Dr Zaato stressed that it is problematic for a politician to only denounce a party after losing power or political relevance. He argued that such conduct reflects a lack of principle, noting that credibility demands consistency regardless of personal gain.
He further pointed out that Prof Frimpong-Boateng left government after the 2020 elections but remained associated with the party until 2024. Dr Zaato questioned why, if the party was indeed fake, Prof Frimpong-Boateng continued to stay within its ranks for years.
“If you are a person of substance, with an international reputation, and you truly believe a party is fake, why would you remain in it?” Dr Zaato asked. He described the situation as ironic and said it undermines the moral weight of Prof Frimpong-Boateng’s current criticisms.
Dr Zaato concluded that political actors must be judged not only by what they say, but by when they say it and whether their actions align with their claims.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku