Dennis Miracles Aboagye, serving as the Director of Communications for the Bawumia Campaign Team, has publicly condemned the recent election forecasts produced by Global InfoAnalytics, suggesting that the research firm exhibits a bias favoring John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Aboagye’s allegations arose in response to Global InfoAnalytics’ prediction that Mahama would garner 52.2% of the votes in the upcoming December 7, 2024 general elections, in contrast to the projected 41.4% for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP). His remarks indicate a deep skepticism regarding the legitimacy and accuracy of these projections, asserting they do not accurately reflect the broader opinions of Ghana’s electorate.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on November 29, 2024, Aboagye articulated his belief that the predictions from Global InfoAnalytics are fundamentally flawed and unrealistic. He contended that such forecasts fail to capture the actual political sentiments within the country, a sentiment echoed throughout the Bawumia campaign, which insists that Vice President Bawumia is indeed a frontrunner in the political race. Aboagye’s critique emphasizes what he perceives as a systematic bias in the polling data, which he claims distorts the political landscape and undermines accurate representation in the electoral process.
Aboagye raised pointed questions about the credibility of Mussa Dankwah, the founder of Global InfoAnalytics, and his polling methods. He highlighted what he viewed as discrepancies in the forecasts, questioning how Dankwah could assert such significant support for Mahama, equating the projections to a scenario where Mahama would win by a margin of approximately 2 million votes. This, he argued, is implausible given the current political dynamics and voting patterns. Aboagye also drew attention to previous polling results from Dankwah, which he described as ludicrous, particularly a claim that the NDC would win the Oforikrom constituency by an exaggerated margin of 99%.
The criticisms from the Bawumia campaign not only reflect a pushback against unfavorable polling outcomes but also underscore a strategic effort to shape public perception ahead of the elections. Aboagye’s dismissive rhetoric towards Global InfoAnalytics depicts a broader campaign narrative that aims to discredit data that may seem to favor the opposition. By framing the polling forecasts as biased and misrepresentative, the Bawumia campaign aims to reinforce the notion that they possess the grassroots support necessary to win the election.
This battleground of public opinion and electoral forecasting emphasizes the contentious nature of political campaigning in Ghana, where data can significantly influence voter perception and mobilization efforts. The ability to sway public opinion through polls necessitates that both parties critically engage with the narratives presented, and in this instance, the NPP appears intent on dismantling any unfavorable data through vigorous public critique. Aboagye’s statements serve as a clarion call to supporters, enhancing a narrative of confidence and control in the lead-up to the crucial elections.
In summary, Aboagye’s allegations against Global InfoAnalytics represent a strategic response to perceived threats in electoral projections, reflecting the intense political rivalry ahead of the December 2024 elections in Ghana. The criticisms he levied not only targeted the credibility of the polling firm and its leader but also sought to reassure Bawumia’s supporters while casting doubt on the opposition’s electoral viability. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the interactions between various stakeholders and the data they produce will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the upcoming elections.
