Razak Kojo Opoku, Founding President of the UP Tradition, has cautioned that political apologies and public forgiveness cannot automatically guarantee reconciliation, reinstatement, or re-election for political leaders.
Citing Bruce Lee’s famous words that “mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them,” Opoku argued that the dynamics of forgiveness in politics are far more complex than mere words of apology.
He questioned whether citizens can genuinely forgive politicians who refused to admit mistakes while in office, but only apologize after losing power. He further asked if Ghanaians can forgive leaders who previously blamed external factors such as the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19 for economic failures, only to later admit responsibility when out of power.
According to him, many Ghanaians continue to suffer from the economic mismanagement of past governments, losing their purchasing power and investments, which complicates the forgiveness process.
Opoku referenced the Psychology of Forgiveness and explained that forgiveness involves both decisional and emotional components, requiring behavioral change, remorse, restoration, and renewal. He noted that while Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has accepted responsibility and apologized for the mistakes of the NPP government, “we are yet to see genuine remorse among those around him.”
He stressed that the real test lies in whether Ghanaians will reconcile with Dr. Bawumia’s economic performance as Head of the Economic Management Team, and whether voters would be willing to renew his mandate in the 2028 presidential elections.
“Rendering a public apology is commendable, but forgiveness should not be seen as an automatic ticket for compromise, restoration, or renewal of mandate,” Opoku emphasized.
He further noted that in Ghana and across Africa, politicians often apologize when out of power but strongly defend their actions while in power. Even within political parties, he said, genuine forgiveness is rare, as those who support campaigns are often sidelined or victimized once power is secured.
Opoku concluded by urging voters to consistently evaluate political apologies, demand accountability, and ensure justice, stressing that forgiveness in politics must go hand-in-hand with responsibility and transformation.
