The Ghana Association of Assembly Members (GAAM) is facing growing criticism from its own members and civil society actors over what many describe as a shift from neutrality to open political partisanship. Once considered a non-partisan body dedicated to the advancement of local governance, GAAM is now being accused of allowing party influence to dictate its operations and leadership conduct.
Some concerned assembly members have alleged that a section of GAAM’s national leadership has begun aligning themselves with political parties, compromising the association’s integrity and weakening its original mission. What’s even more troubling, they say, is that its membership — which is constitutionally expected to remain neutral — has now turned into mouthpieces for politically affiliated parties, openly declaring loyalties that were once taboo.
According to sources within the association, GAAM executives have been seen at several politically-themed events and have issued public statements that closely reflect the narratives of specific political parties. “Our leadership was elected to advocate for us—not to act as mouthpieces for party agendas,” a member from the Bono Region lamented in an interview.
Critics say the shift isn’t accidental. The executives have also been accused of moving along political gurus for their stomach, allegedly lobbying for positions and favors in exchange for political allegiance. Some members say these leaders are more focused on personal gain than grassroots development, effectively abandoning the mandate given to them by their peers.
Other members argue that this perceived shift in loyalty has created divisions within the association. They say dissenting voices are increasingly being marginalized, while those who align with the leadership’s political leanings enjoy preferential treatment, such as travel opportunities and media exposure.
A key point of concern for many members is the growing lack of transparency in GAAM’s decision-making processes. Some allege that important meetings are held behind closed doors, with little input from the broader membership. “We only hear of decisions after they are made, and most of them don’t reflect the collective will,” one frustrated assembly member stated.
Civil society organizations have also weighed in on the issue. The Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has called for GAAM to reaffirm its commitment to neutrality. In a statement, the group noted that partisan influence in local governance institutions undermines public trust and weakens grassroots development.
Analysts warn that if these concerns are not addressed, GAAM risks becoming a political extension of whichever party is in power. “Associations like GAAM must remain fiercely independent,” said political analyst Prof. Kwame Mensah. “Once they are captured by politics, their relevance and legitimacy fade.”
Meanwhile, the GAAM leadership has yet to respond publicly to the growing wave of criticism. Repeated attempts by The Crusading Guide to reach the national president and general secretary for comment proved unsuccessful as of press time.
As the pressure mounts, many assembly members are calling for an emergency national conference to address what they see as a betrayal of the association’s founding principles. “GAAM must decide—will it serve the people who elected its members, or the parties who now pull the strings?” one delegate questioned.
Until the leadership responds and acts decisively, the perception remains strong that partisan loyalties have taken over, leaving many wondering whether GAAM still stands for advocacy — or ambition.
