As Ghana head to the Polls December 7, its vibrant democratic space, political discourse often has been the backbone of policy debates and national development conversations.
However, the increasing tendency to use insults and personal attacks in political exchanges threatens to undermine this essential dialogue.
The “politics of insult,” as it has come to be known, reflects a troubling shift from issue-based engagement to divisive rhetoric.
This phenomenon has reached alarming levels, particularly during heated election seasons, with political actors, including communication officers of major parties, engaging in disparaging remarks.
This Phenomenon has become a reminder of the urgent need to foster civility and respect in political discourse, ensuring that Ghana’s democratic gains are not eroded by inflammatory rhetoric.
Meanwhile, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah in a press briefing, has delivered a scathing critique of former President John Dramani Mahama.
Mr. Ahiagbah described Mahama’s leadership as a failure that plunged Ghanaians into economic hardships and mismanagement during his tenure.
Drawing from the Bible, Mr. Ahiagbah painted Mahama as a leader who failed to rise to the occasion during critical moments in Ghana’s history. He stated;
“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is the example of the biblical wicked and lazy servant who did not live up to expectations in his four years as president of this Republic. Ladies and gentlemen, like the master in Matthew 25, Ghanaians must vote on December 7 to cast him out as done in 2016 and 2020.”
Richard Ahiagbah Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
The NPP’s Communications Director emphasized that Mahama’s presidency was characterized by a lack of responsiveness to the pressing needs of Ghanaians.
Mr. Ahiagbah also accused Mahama of neglecting the people of Ghana during moments of economic turmoil, which he claimed led to widespread public dissatisfaction and protests all over the country. He remarked;
“The balance of a leader’s job is dealing with challenges, but from what we have seen from the former president, he has shown that he cannot deal with challenges. Therefore, on December 7, we must vote to show the former president, John Mahama, and the NDC that we the people of Ghana cannot afford the risk of electing a president who cannot respond to our needs in challenging times.”
Richard Ahiagbah Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Ahiagbah urged Ghanaians to deliver a decisive electoral victory to the NPP to ensure Mahama’s permanent exit from politics.
Ahiagbah revisited what he described as Mahama’s failures during his time in office. He reiterated;
“Mahama should be rejected because his four years as President brought severe hardships, persistent power outages known as ‘dumsor,’ and other significant challenges.”
Richard Ahiagbah Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
These failures, Ahiagbah argued, are reasons why Mahama should not be allowed another opportunity to govern Ghana.
Praise for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
In contrast, Ahiagbah heaped praise on the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as a capable and dependable leader who has served Ghana with distinction. He drew a stark comparison between Mahama and Bawumia, stating;
“Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is a ‘good and faithful servant’ who has served Ghana well and deserves commendation and reward.”
Richard Ahiagbah Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Ahiagbah’s comments set the tone for the NPP’s campaign narrative as the December polls approach.
The NPP is banking on its critique of Mahama’s track record while promoting Bawumia as the better alternative for Ghana’s leadership. Whether these arguments resonate with voters will be determined at the ballot box on December 7.
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