The New Patriotic Party (NPP), despite being the incumbent government, enters the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary election as an underdog, grappling with a surge in negative comments and public dissatisfaction due to perceived deception over the past seven years.
Dr. Jonathan Asante Otechere, a political analyst and senior lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, shared these observations on the Simpieso political talk show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Emmanuel Martey (Alaska DeDon) in Accra.
Dr. Otechere contends that the government has witnessed a decline in trust and credibility across all economic sectors. The country faces challenges, including soaring prices of goods and services coupled with a confusing downward trend in inflation figures.
He criticized the NPP’s attempt to rate Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia and former President John Dramani Mahama, labeling it a political strategy aimed at tarnishing the image of the former president through deceit and lies.
Examining various economic sectors, Dr. Otechere expressed disappointment in the woeful performance of the NPP. Issues such as high prices of goods, escalating youth unemployment, a decline in the cocoa sector, and under-resourcing in the road sector have contributed to a negative perception.
Despite the NPP’s media strategy to rebuild its image, the public image and branding of the party, especially Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, are on the decline. The leader’s negative ratings are evident, signaling challenges for the party’s electoral prospects.
Dr. Otechere emphasized that Ghanaians, being astute judges, will express their sentiments at the polls, especially in response to political comments tainted with deceit and lies amid the economic hardships in the country.
Describing Dr. Bawumia as an interesting character, Dr. Asante expressed surprise that the Vice President is not emphasizing data-driven discussions. He cautioned against relying on lies and deception, emphasizing that such tactics may not yield positive results in the upcoming elections.
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