Kwakye Ofosu Reacts to Viral GH₵78 Million Accusation
Felix Kwakye Ofosu Rejects GH₵78 Million Allocation Claims
In Ghana’s fast-paced political arena, rumours spread faster than wildfire.
Kwakye Ofosu has firmly denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. His swift rebuttal has reignited an old debate: how much damage can misinformation do in Ghana’s political discourse, and what responsibility do both politicians and the media hold in curbing it?
The Allegation
The controversy began when unverified reports circulated online, claiming that Kwakye Ofosu was among a group of former government officials who had benefited from massive financial allocations. The figure attached, GH₵78 million, stood out not only because of its size but also because of the lack of documentation supporting it.
Despite these gaps, the claim quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking heated debate among political commentators and everyday citizens alike. In a country preparing for general elections, such narratives can be weaponised to discredit opponents and sway public perception.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s Response
In a direct rebuttal posted on his verified Facebook page, Kwakye Ofosu dismissed the allegations with characteristic bluntness:
“I have not received, nor have I been promised, any such amount-not GH₵78 million, not even 78 pesewas.”
He argued that the claims were deliberately manufactured to distract from pressing national issues, particularly Ghana’s economic challenges. Kwakye Ofosu also stressed that during his time as Deputy Minister under the Mahama administration, he had no mandate to authorize or control financial allocations, much less one of this magnitude. His role, he emphasized, was limited to public communication, not financial administration.
Who Is Felix Kwakye Ofosu?
Kwakye Ofosu is a well-known voice in Ghanaian politics. As Deputy Minister for Information under President John Dramani Mahama, he gained a reputation for eloquence and his spirited defense of government policies.
Since leaving office, he has remained a visible figure, regularly offering commentary on governance and economic issues. His continued prominence has made him both an influential communicator for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a frequent target for political attacks.
Public Reaction
Reactions to the allegations and subsequent denial have been deeply polarized.
Critics, particularly from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), have called for further scrutiny. Some argue that the emergence of such a specific figure warrants investigation, regardless of how unlikely it may sound.
This division reflects the entrenched partisan lines within Ghana’s political landscape, where truth often becomes secondary to narrative.
The Bigger Picture: Misinformation in Ghanaian Politics
The Kwakye Ofosu episode is a case study in how misinformation functions in Ghana’s democracy. False or unverified claims can:
Distract the public from critical governance issues.
Damage the reputation of political figures without evidence.
Deepen partisan divides by fuelling suspicion and mistrust.
Social media has amplified this problem. With few mechanisms for fact-checking, rumours can reach thousands of people within minutes. For many citizens, the first version of a story they encounter, true or not, becomes their reality.
Why Truth Still Matters
Holding public officials accountable is a cornerstone of democracy, but accountability must rest on verified facts.
Allegations should be investigated, but they must also be presented responsibly. Spreading misinformation undermines democratic debate and distracts citizens from engaging with real policy issues.
Kwakye Ofosu’s strong denial underscores a larger truth: in the age of viral misinformation, public figures must defend not just their records but also the facts themselves.
Final Thoughts
The GH₵78 million allocation claim may fade with time, but it highlights a troubling reality about Ghana’s political culture: misinformation remains a powerful tool for shaping public perception.
As the 2024 elections draw closer, the stakes will only rise. Citizens must demand higher standards of journalism, practise media literacy, and question unverified reports before amplifying them. Politicians, too, have a duty to confront falsehoods openly, as Kwakye Ofosu has done.
At its core, democracy thrives not on rumours, but on truth. The challenge for Ghana is whether its political actors and media ecosystem will protect that truth in the years ahead.
