Lawyer and social activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has raised concerns about what he describes as inconsistencies in the policies and ideological positions of the John Dramani Mahama administration.
According to Barker-Vormawor, contradictions within the government’s policies and actions make Ghana a “baffling country.”
He cited what he described as a contrast between President Mahama’s position on the conflict in Gaza and the actions of his government.
Barker-Vormawor noted that President Mahama delivered a strong address at the United Nations, calling for increased international action to end the genocide in Gaza and for Israel to be held accountable.
However, Barker-Vormawor pointed out that on the same day, the Minister for Defence hosted the Israeli Ambassador and reportedly spoke of a “shared commitment to peace, security and sustainable development.”
He also cited another apparent contradiction involving the government’s position on freedom of speech and the conduct of security agencies.
According to Barker-Vormawor, President Mahama, through Callistus Mahama, cautioned against creating unnecessary martyrs through offensive speech and urged restraint by security agencies.
However, Barker-Vormawor said the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) subsequently engaged in what he described as an “unnecessary publicity stunt” after a lawyer went to court over related issues.
Reflecting on the developments, Barker-Vormawor said he sometimes feels Ghana has a progressive presidency but that the structures within government have yet to fully align with the President’s stated vision.
“Sometimes I feel like we have a progressive presidency but some person haven’t found a way to get the substructure to align with the vision,” he said.
In a post on X, Oliver Barker-Vormawor stated, “President @JDMahama yesterday gave a fantastic and heartfelt speech at the UN; calling for more international action on ending Genocide in Gaza and holding Israel accountable.
All over, from international friends and former colleagues at the UN, I was basking in congratulations as if na me be the President.
Then on the same day, the Minister for Defence was hosting the Israeli Ambassador, and said he was “reaffirming shared commitment to peace, security and sustainable development,” and “acknowledged the warm and longstanding relationship between Ghana and Israel and expressed confidence in the prospects for further strengthening the partnership.”
The Defence Minister also called for “enhanced collaboration in critical areas such as surveillance systems, cyber defence and advanced technologies.“
🤦🏿♂️
I su-err the continuing Policy and ideological incoherences are what make Ghana such a baffling country.
A couple of days ago, the President, through Callistus Mahama, warned against creating unnecessary martyrs of offensive speech and cautioned restraint in the security agencies. They even went further to ask MFWA and GIJ to convene an event. The Next day, EOCO created an unnecessary publicity stunt when a lawyer went to court over these same issues.
Sometimes I feel like we have a progressive presidency, surrounded by some persons with real ideological depth, who still haven’t found a way to get the substructure to align with the vision. That’s baffling to me.
The Presidency must command the State machinery that produces more of its politics, takes directions from the top, or the reset is just a pipe dream.
The president cannot be chasing after his workmen, walking back “Arabic” policies, positioning the right messaging after the horse has bolted from the stable.
The President is in charge! What happens then when he becomes perceived as a lame duck? The pigs will take over and run the farm.
Unless, of course, the incoherences are intentional! Which would be much disappointing!
Shalom”.
See the post below:
President @JDMahama yesterday gave a fantastic and heartfelt speech at the UN; calling for more international action on ending Genocide in Gaza and holding Isreal accountable.
— Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor (@barkervogues) September 25, 2026
All over, from international friends and former colleagues at the UN, I was basking in congratulations…
@ghnow_ Counsel for Salomey has provided an update on what transpired in court today. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon. Jerry Ahmed has called on the government to address the cocaine-related issues in the country. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
