Joyce Bawah Mogtari, serving as the spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, has conveyed a sense of confidence regarding the NDC’s position in several constituencies typically dominated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Notably, she has mentioned constituencies such as Atwima Mponua, Offinso North, and Dome/Kwabenya, asserting that recent internal polls conducted by the NPP indicate weaknesses in these traditional strongholds. Mogtari’s observations highlight a growing belief within the NDC that the political landscape could be shifting, providing them with an opportunity to reclaim seats previously held by the NPP.
Mogtari criticized the NPP for what she termed “inaccurate and fake research outcomes,” accusing them of inflating their chances for the upcoming elections. This statement follows remarks made by Joseph Osei Owusu, the first Deputy Speaker of Parliament and MP for Asante Bekwai, who had suggested that research available to both leading parties indicates a likely victory for NPP candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The NDC spokesperson expressed skepticism about the NPP’s claims, calling them “delusions of grandeur”. By doing so, she positioned the NDC’s assertions as grounded in reality, contrasting them with what she perceives as misguided confidence from the ruling party.
Mogtari emphasized that the NDC has consistently fared better than the NPP in various credible research studies since 2022, specifically highlighting former President Mahama’s growing popularity compared to that of Bawumia. She pointed to research conducted by the National Investment Bank (NIB) as particularly revealing, citing that Mahama has outperformed Bawumia in these assessments. Furthermore, she asserted that the NDC holds a significant advantage in terms of parliamentary seat projections, bolstering her party’s case as they approach the elections. This escalation of confidence within the NDC signifies a strategic approach to galvanize support and challenge the NPP more effectively.
The implications of Mogtari’s statements extend beyond mere politicking, as they reveal a deeper narrative about the current political climate in Ghana. The portrayal of the NPP as out of touch and relying on superficial research plays into a larger discourse around electoral legitimacy and the credibility of political strategies. The NDC seems to be attempting to align its narrative with that of the electorate’s sentiment, presenting itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party. The confidence in their polling results and the framing of the NPP as engaging in self-delusion signal a determined effort by the NDC to reshape voter perceptions.
Additionally, the social media landscape has become a battleground for these narratives, with Mogtari leveraging platforms like Facebook to disseminate her party’s messages. The use of social media for political engagement and campaigning is increasingly significant in contemporary electoral politics, and the NDC appears to be strategically capitalizing on this to reach a broader audience. By challenging the ruling party’s claims in a public forum, Mogtari not only asserts the NDC’s position but also attempts to rally supporters and appeal to undecided voters who may be swayed by the contrasting narratives.
As the elections draw nearer, the tension between the NDC and the NPP is likely to escalate, with both parties intensifying their campaigns and research efforts to sway public opinion. The significance of internal polling, public sentiment, and the efficacy of campaign strategies will be scrutinized as voting day approaches. The current skirmishes in the political rhetoric reflect a larger struggle for power and influence in Ghana, with both parties vying for control and legitimacy in the eyes of the electorate. Thus, the unfolding dynamics between the NDC and NPP will play a critical role in shaping the political landscape, potentially leading to shifts in representation at both the parliamentary and presidential levels.
