The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly refuted claims by Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin that President John Mahama is a dictator. Arko Gunn, Deputy National Communications Officer, responded to Afenyo-Markin’s assertion, pointing out the hypocrisy in the NPP’s criticism. According to Gunn, the NPP was allowed to demonstrate and submit a petition to the Flagstaff House just four months after losing power, with police protection, without any opposition from the NDC government. This, he argued, is in stark contrast to the NPP’s actions when they were in power.
Gunn highlighted that when the NDC was in opposition, they were denied permission to submit a petition to the Flagstaff House, with the NPP citing security concerns. He questioned how President Mahama’s willingness to accommodate the NPP’s demonstration and petition can be seen as dictatorial. Gunn suggested that Afenyo-Markin’s claim is unfair and judged by the President’s kindness. “If allowing the NPP to demonstrate and submit a petition with police protection is dictatorship, then I don’t know what democracy is,” Gunn stated.
The NDC’s response underscores the perceived double standards in Ghanaian politics. While the NPP claims that President Mahama is a dictator, the facts suggest otherwise. The NDC government’s tolerance and willingness to allow the NPP to express their views, even when they were in opposition, demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles. Gunn’s comments highlight the need for the NPP to reflect on their own actions when they were in power and compare them to the NDC’s actions now.
Gunn’s rebuke also raises questions about the NPP’s motivations behind their criticism of President Mahama. Is their criticism driven by a genuine concern for democracy and good governance, or is it simply a ploy to undermine the NDC government? The NDC believes it’s the latter, and Ghanaians should see through the NPP’s antics. The NDC government has shown its commitment to democracy by allowing the NPP to demonstrate and submit petitions, and this should be commended rather than criticized.
The exchange between the NDC and the NPP highlights the ongoing tensions between the two parties. As the NDC government continues to implement its policies and programs, it is likely that the NPP will continue to criticize and try to undermine their efforts. However, the NDC remains confident in its mandate from the people and will not be swayed by the NPP’s rhetoric. Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how the NDC government responds to the NPP’s criticism and whether they can maintain their momentum in the face of intense opposition.
The debate over President Mahama’s leadership style and the NDC’s commitment to democracy will likely continue in the coming months. One thing is certain, however: the NDC will vigorously defend its record and mandate, and Ghanaians will ultimately decide who is right. The question remains whether the NPP’s criticism will become more constructive or remain driven by partisan politics. Only time will tell.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
