Mustapha Gbande, Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, has sharply criticized the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for their planned “True State of the Nation Address,” scheduled for March 4, 2025. Gbande contends that the NPP’s response to President Mahama’s February 27th State of the Nation Address (SONA) is rooted in arrogance and a deliberate attempt to destabilize the country. He called for the NPP to apologize for their critical stance and adopt a more constructive approach to engaging with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. The core of the disagreement stems from the NPP’s assertion that President Mahama’s SONA misrepresented Ghana’s current socio-economic situation and failed to adequately address pressing national concerns.
The NPP’s planned address is a direct counterpoint to President Mahama’s presentation, which they claim painted a rosy picture that doesn’t reflect the realities on the ground. In their view, the President’s address lacked a comprehensive and accurate analysis of the nation’s progress, or lack thereof, since he assumed office on January 7, 2025. This divergence in perspectives has further fueled the already tense political climate, with Gbande accusing the NPP of actively seeking to undermine the government’s efforts. He emphasized the NDC’s resolve to defend the government against what he perceives as unwarranted attacks and distractions orchestrated by the opposition.
Gbande’s statements reflect a growing concern within the NDC about the NPP’s approach to political discourse. He argues that the opposition’s constant criticism and counter-narratives are not conducive to national unity and development. Instead of offering constructive criticism and engaging in productive dialogue, Gbande believes the NPP is deliberately stoking political tensions to gain political mileage. He has urged the NPP leadership to reflect on their actions and adopt a more conciliatory approach. His call for an apology underscores the NDC’s perception that the NPP’s criticisms have crossed the line into personal attacks and deliberate misrepresentations.
The NPP, however, maintains that their “True State of the Nation Address” is necessary to provide the Ghanaian public with an alternative perspective on the state of affairs. They argue that the government’s narrative is misleading and fails to acknowledge the challenges facing the nation. The planned address is seen by the NPP as an exercise in their democratic right to hold the government accountable and to offer alternative solutions to the nation’s problems. They view their actions not as an attempt to destabilize the country, but rather as a crucial component of a healthy democracy where diverse viewpoints are aired and debated.
This clash of narratives highlights the deep political divide in Ghana. The NDC accuses the NPP of negativity and obstructionism, while the NPP accuses the NDC of complacency and misgovernance. The back-and-forth accusations and counter-accusations further polarize the political landscape, making it difficult to find common ground and work together towards national goals. This political tension underscores the need for a more mature and constructive political discourse, where differing perspectives are respected and debated without resorting to personal attacks or accusations of sabotage.
The ongoing political sparring between the NDC and NPP raises important questions about the nature of political opposition and the role of constructive criticism in a democracy. While a vibrant opposition is crucial for holding the government accountable, it is equally important for the opposition to engage in a manner that promotes national unity and development. Finding the right balance between holding the government accountable and contributing to national progress is a delicate act that requires political maturity and a commitment to the greater good of the country. The current situation calls for both parties to engage in more constructive dialogue, focusing on substantive issues and policy debates rather than resorting to personal attacks and accusations of ill intent.
