By: Hamza Lansah Lolly/ Baba Mohammed Issahak
The Executive Secretary of Anchoring Democracy Advocacy Movement-Ghana (ADAM-GH), Mr Azubila Emmanuel Abdul-Salam, accuses Dr. Valerie Sawyer, former presidential advisor, of attempting to hijack the civil society agenda.
According to Mr. Azubila, ADAM-GH and other CSOs were officially invited by Dr. Callistus Mahama to meet with the President regarding the formation of a Governance Advisory Council. The meeting was scheduled for Thursday at 12:00 PM.
In a statement, Mr., Azubila Emmanuel alleges that Dr. Sawyer, with support from media strategist Stan Dogbey, unilaterally changed the meeting’s time and selectively invited CSOs aligned with her interests, mainly pro-NPP groups and leave pro-NDC groups, ignoring the official invitation and bypassing long-standing organizations like ADAM-GH.
“We have worked consistently for 9 years for the party, Valerie Sawyer have not supported ADAM-GH activities. All big programs executed for over 8 years have been self-financing”. He revealed
“She picked who she wanted, crowned herself Chairperson of CSOs, and sidelined those of us who have fought for the party without her support. She’s never sponsored our work, yet now wants to take over everything.” Executive Secretary of ADAM-GH said in a statement
Azubila challenged Dr. Sawyer’s legitimacy in the civil society space, asking, “What CSO does she even operate? When was the last time she led a project on the ground?” He quizzed
Dr. Valerie Sawyer has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
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