Accra, Ghana – Prominent political science lecturer, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has fired a sharp rebuke at New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, insisting that unpaid monies owed to academics and consultants by the government must be settled irrespective of political opinions or perceived partisan leanings.
In a recent exchange that has sparked national debate, Prof. Gyampo, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, publicly asserted that even if individuals like himself praise former President John Mahama, it does not absolve the current administration from its financial obligations. His comments came in response to what he described as attempts by influential voices within the ruling party to delegitimize criticism by labeling it as pro-opposition sentiment.
The dispute is rooted in long-standing arrears owed to academics and policy consultants who have provided various forms of professional services to the state under government arrangements. According to Prof. Gyampo, despite repeated follow-ups and the provision of necessary documentation, the government has failed to honour its end of the bargain.
The Provocation
The controversy was triggered when Gabby Otchere-Darko, a lawyer and cousin to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, reportedly suggested that some academics critical of the government were merely disgruntled sympathizers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former President John Mahama. Although he did not mention names directly, the comments were widely interpreted as a veiled attack on outspoken figures such as Prof. Gyampo.
Not one to shy away from confrontation, Gyampo responded with characteristic frankness.
“Even if I praise Mahama, your government still owes us. Criticism is not equivalent to partisanship,” he stated in a post widely circulated on social media and quoted in several radio discussions.
He went further to clarify that academic independence must not be conflated with political bias and that public intellectuals should be free to critique any government without being punished economically or professionally.
Unpaid Services, Frustrated Experts
The broader issue involves a number of professionals, including university lecturers, consultants, and election monitors, who were engaged to provide services to government agencies over the past few years. Many of these individuals have reportedly gone unpaid for months or even years, leading to increasing frustration within academic and professional circles.
In an earlier Facebook post, Prof. Gyampo revealed that despite fulfilling all bureaucratic procedures — including signing contracts and submitting reports — he and others have not received any payment. He described the situation as “unjust” and “disrespectful,” particularly given the importance of the roles played in shaping policy, monitoring democratic processes, and contributing to national development.
“We are not political appointees. We were called to serve. We did. Now we are begging for what is due us?” he lamented.
His words have since resonated with many Ghanaians who are growing weary of government delays and apparent neglect of professional commitments.
The Political Undertones
The timing of this public confrontation is significant. Ghana is heading into a heated election season in 2024, with tensions already mounting between the NPP and the NDC. The issue of trust in public institutions and equitable treatment of citizens — regardless of political alignment — is likely to be a major campaign talking point.
Gabby Otchere-Darko, who wields considerable influence within the governing party despite not holding an official government position, has often been seen as the party’s unofficial spokesperson on strategic issues. His comments, therefore, carry considerable weight within both political and civil society spheres.
Critics argue that his tendency to dismiss criticism as partisan only deepens the culture of political polarization in the country.
“Dissent should not be seen as disloyalty,” said Dr. Grace Oppong, a governance analyst. “When you politicize every criticism, you silence professional voices that are essential for national development.”
Academic Freedom Under Threat?
The incident has reignited discussions around academic freedom and the autonomy of public intellectuals. In Ghana, universities have traditionally been spaces where scholars contribute to political debate without fear or favour. But in recent years, some academics say that critical voices are being subtly muzzled — either through financial manipulation, political labeling, or stalled promotions.
Prof. Gyampo himself has previously faced backlash for his outspokenness, with some members of the political class accusing him of partisanship. He has consistently denied any political affiliations, stating that his loyalty lies with Ghana and the principles of good governance.
In a radio interview following the social media exchange, Gyampo doubled down on his position: “You can’t owe someone and expect them to be silent just because they disagree with you politically. This is not democracy. This is transactional oppression.”
Public Reaction
Ghanaians across the political divide have reacted strongly to the dispute. On social media, many have rallied behind Prof. Gyampo, commending his courage and insisting that professionalism should not be compromised by politics.
One Twitter user posted:
“Gyampo is speaking for all of us who’ve done work for the government and are being ignored. This is bigger than politics — it’s about fairness.”
Others, however, have accused the professor of using his platform to score political points ahead of the 2024 election. But such critics are in the minority, as the broader public sentiment appears to favour transparency and justice over party loyalty.
A Call for Accountability
As the story continues to make headlines, the government has yet to issue a formal response to the accusations of non-payment. Civil society groups and labour unions are also beginning to take interest, with some threatening to take legal action if the debts remain unpaid.
Observers say the government would be wise to act quickly to prevent the situation from escalating, particularly at a time when public confidence in state institutions is already under strain due to economic hardship and political mistrust.
If nothing else, Prof. Gyampo’s bold intervention has reignited a crucial national conversation: Are we building a democracy where professionals are rewarded based on their contributions, or one where allegiance to power determines who gets paid and who gets ignored?
As one commentator put it:
“This is not just about Gyampo. It’s about every Ghanaian who does honest work and expects honest pay.”
