Ghana is on a dangerous path if we keep politicizing every issue – Nana Romeo

Ghanaian radio presenter Nana Romeo has raised concerns over the country’s tendency to politicize sensitive issues, warning that it poses significant challenges to national development.

Speaking on UTV’s United Showbiz program monitored by MyNewsGh, the host didn’t mince words when reflecting on the recent tragedy in Obuasi that claimed nine lives during a confrontation between the youth and soldiers guarding Anglogold Ashanti.

According to Nana Romeo, the roots of the Obuasi conflict stem from an old video of broadcast journalist Captain Smart, who, in fiery rhetoric, encouraged the youth to stand up to the mining company and reclaim what he described as their resources.

Romeo questioned why such a provocative statement was not being viewed through a political lens.

“The incident in Obuasi, which led to the death of nine young people, was reportedly fueled by Captain Smart’s comments in an old video. He told the youth to go after Anglogold Ashanti and take back their resources. But what do we see now? Many people are afraid to call this out or address it politically,” he lamented.

The Obuasi tragedy is not just an isolated incident for Romeo—it’s part of a broader narrative that, he believes, reflects Ghana’s selective outrage.

He drew a striking comparison to the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, an incident that sent shockwaves through the nation. In that case, politician Kennedy Agyapong was accused of instigating violence against Suale after publicly sharing his image and urging people to attack him.

“When Kennedy Agyapong incited violence against Ahmed Suale by showing his picture on live TV and calling for harm, we saw what happened.

“Suale was killed shortly after. And yet, nothing has happened to Kennedy Agyapong. He has faced no consequences,” Romeo pointed out.

Romeo argued that the reluctance to hold Captain Smart accountable for his role in the Obuasi saga mirrors the impunity Agyapong has enjoyed in the Ahmed Suale case. “Why should Captain Smart be spared criticism or accountability?

Is it because Kennedy Agyapong was not punished? This is the problem in Ghana—there is no justice, and everything becomes politicized,” he asserted.

For Romeo, this cycle of politicization and inaction undermines the country’s ability to address issues objectively and equitably.

He warned that until Ghanaians begin to hold people accountable regardless of their political affiliations, such tragedies will continue to repeat themselves.

“This is a dangerous path we are on,” Romeo cautioned. “As long as we keep politicizing everything, nothing will change. We will keep losing innocent lives, and the people who should take responsibility will always walk free.”