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Seasoned Journalist, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, has slammed former President John Mahama over his response to the NPP Director of Communications, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, regarding the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference's comments about President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Delivering a speech at the 2021 plenary assembly of the Association in Wa on Monday, November 8, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference, Most Rev. Philip Naameh bemoaned the growing rate of corruption in Ghana under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo.

He accused the political leaders of misapplying the country's resources, hence aggravating the poverty situation of the populace.

"Though poverty stares us in the face, it appears lost to those with power. The expressed commitment of the President of the Republic to protect the public purse, a promise that citizens welcomed, seems to be an illusion now," he said.

He questioned; ''Are those managing the public purse not concerned about waste and misapplication of resources that belong to all Ghanaians? Can this be referred to as irresponsible use of power or the lack of compassion and empathy?''

"Those who are entrusted with power that comes from our collective will must know that what they do with that (power) shapes what we all will become in the future," he added.

Reacting to this, NPP Director of Communications, Yaw Buaben Asamoa argued the clerics' criticisms lacks focus and clarity.

“Where are the specifics on that? Some level of clarity at that level is important. It is not about enabling the NDC to come in and spout...we are widening the social net, and we believe we are sending the economy in the right direction...The impact of Covid-19 that we are still riding has affected cost of living and prices, and many people worldwide have lost their jobs,” he asserted.

But former President Mahama considers the NPP Chief Communicator's quick response to the Bishops as a show of ''arrogance of power''.

Addressing a durbar of NDC faithfuls at Ashaiman, Mr. John Mahama replied; “If they are saying Ghana is hard, do the things that will make things more affordable for the people of Ghana. But that is what we call the arrogance of power. They said when the gods want to destroy you, they first make you mad. Because this is madness. The Catholic Bishops have spoken; what is your business holding a press conference against them? Accept criticism in good faith.”

To Kweku Baako, the former President's reply is needless.

According to him, ''if Buaben had insulted these dignified men and women, it would be problematic but he didn't do that. So far, what I have seen is he's rather asking questions for clarity and specifications; so really the former President's intrusion is needless. Completely needless!''