The early months of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration under President John Mahama in 2013 were marked by emerging concerns and criticisms from the opposition, particularly regarding the government’s perceived shortcomings and communication style. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip, articulated these concerns, highlighting what he viewed as an unusually rapid manifestation of governance challenges. He argued that while governments typically require a year or two to reveal weaknesses, the NDC administration, within just six months, was already exhibiting signs of potential failure. This early display of perceived shortcomings, according to Annoh-Dompreh, was a concerning indicator of the administration’s trajectory.
A key point of contention revolved around the communication style of Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson. Annoh-Dompreh criticized Kwakye Ofosu’s conduct, particularly his dismissive response to allegations raised by Assin South MP, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, regarding suspicious flights potentially carrying illicit goods. Kwakye Ofosu’s labeling of Rev. Ntim Fordjour as a “clown” drew sharp rebuke from Annoh-Dompreh, who argued that such language was unbecoming of a presidential spokesperson. He emphasized the significance of the spokesperson’s role, asserting that their words carry the weight of the President’s own pronouncements. This incident, according to Annoh-Dompreh, highlighted a disconnect between President Mahama’s calls for collaboration and the antagonistic approach adopted by his spokesperson.
The perceived disconnect between the President’s message and his spokesperson’s actions underscored a broader concern regarding the NDC’s communication strategy. Annoh-Dompreh argued that Kwakye Ofosu’s dismissive remarks not only undermined the seriousness of the allegations but also created an environment of distrust and animosity. He contrasted the spokesperson’s approach with the President’s emphasis on collaboration, suggesting that such contradictory messaging could hinder effective governance and erode public confidence. The incident served as an example of what Annoh-Dompreh viewed as a broader pattern of concerning behavior within the NDC administration.
Beyond the communication issues, Annoh-Dompreh expressed deeper concerns about the direction of the Mahama government. He warned of impending scandals that, in his view, would further expose the administration’s weaknesses and shortcomings. While refraining from explicitly cursing the government, he predicted a wave of scandals in the following year, 2014, that would bring to light the true nature of the administration’s actions. This prediction suggested a belief that the perceived early signs of failure were indicative of deeper, systemic problems within the government.
Annoh-Dompreh’s criticisms represented a broader opposition narrative that sought to portray the NDC government as incompetent and potentially corrupt. His focus on the early emergence of perceived problems aimed to establish a narrative of inherent flaws within the administration’s approach. The emphasis on Kwakye Ofosu’s comments served to highlight concerns about the government’s communication strategy and its perceived dismissiveness towards legitimate concerns. The prediction of future scandals further solidified the opposition’s portrayal of the NDC as an administration headed towards significant controversy.
In essence, Annoh-Dompreh’s pronouncements reflected an early attempt by the opposition to define the Mahama administration’s narrative. By highlighting perceived shortcomings in governance, communication, and ethical conduct, he sought to paint a picture of an administration struggling to fulfill its promises and potentially engaging in questionable practices. These early criticisms laid the groundwork for future attacks and served as a warning shot across the bow of the NDC government.
