NPP's Awal Mohammed Says CSOs Now Lobbyists Not Watchdogs

A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team, Awal Mohammed, has alleged that some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are operating as lobbyists rather than independent advocates for the public good.

Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Insight, Mr. Mohammed stated his belief in the important role of civil society, but expressed concern that many organizations are compromised by financial interests.

“I believe in civil society, but a lot of them are lobbyists. They get money from people to do advocacy for them, and that’s what a lot of them are doing today in this country,” he said.

According to Mr. Mohammed, these CSOs have moved away from being neutral watchdogs and are now actively pushing agendas for private companies and political actors. “A lot of them are not really doing the work of civil society. They are lobbyists,” he reiterated.

He specifically cited the recent controversy surrounding Ghana’s lithium deal as evidence of inconsistency and double standards among certain CSOs.

“Look at the lithium deal. Civil society strongly opposed it, demanding more than the initial 10 per cent royalties offered,” Mr Mohammed recalled.

He questioned the apparent shift in stance, stating, “Today, the same civil society groups are vigorously defending a lower 5 per cent royalty rate. Are they not lobbyists?” He added that these sentiments were also echoed in parliamentary discussions.

“They have relayed this position in Parliament, advocating for the 5 per cent rate. So, are these civil society actors working for Ghana, or are they beholden to the companies and government?” he asked.

Mr. Mohammed argued that a straightforward application of common sense reveals the underlying interests. “Common sense should tell you that if something is worth 100 per cent, they are implying we should retain only 10 per cent, and they take the remaining 90 per cent,” he explained.

He expressed his surprise at the change of heart from CSOs who previously deemed a 10 per cent royalty unacceptable. “You once said Ghana was getting a bad deal with 10 per cent royalties. Now, you’re telling us 5 per cent is acceptable and actively defending it.”

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE