In a recent discussion aimed at defending former President John Mahama from ongoing corruption allegations, Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), boldly challenged the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to substantiate their claims against Mahama. He reiterated his support for the NDC’s presidential candidate ahead of the December 7 polls, emphasizing the need for the electorate to remain vigilant against disinformation campaigns propagated by the NPP. Spio-Garbrah’s remarks are particularly pertinent as they come during a politically charged period, where accusations and counter-accusations are commonplace as parties vie for public support.
Spio-Garbrah took a historical perspective, suggesting that the NPP’s tactics of using unsubstantiated claims and smear campaigns against their political opponents have roots that date back to Ghana’s founding leader, Kwame Nkrumah. He pointed out that the NPP has consistently labeled NDC figures, including Mahama, as corrupt without providing any concrete evidence. Citing past allegations against Mahama during his presidency, Spio-Garbrah highlighted claims made by the NPP about Mahama’s alleged corrupt practices, such as accusations of theft and ownership of luxury properties abroad. He emphasized that despite having seven years in power to probe these allegations, the NPP has failed to produce any evidence to back their claims.
Highlighting Mahama’s unblemished reputation, Spio-Garbrah questioned the integrity of the allegations against the former president. He argued that the lack of tangible evidence casts significant doubt on the legitimacy of the NPP’s accusations. In his view, the unwarranted character assassination of Mahama represents a broader strategy employed by the NPP to undermine the NDC’s credibility, rather than a sincere pursuit of justice or accountability. He specifically challenged government officials to come forward with any credible proof of wrongdoing that would justify their accusations against the ex-president.
In his critique of the current administration, Dr. Spio-Garbrah claimed that rather than safeguarding the public purse as promised by President Akufo-Addo, the NPP government has engaged in widespread misappropriation of state resources. He accused them of systemic corruption and argued that, contrary to their public statements, the administration has been complicit in acts of financial misconduct. This assertion serves to flip the narrative back at the NPP, positioning the NDC as more trustworthy and transparent in comparison.
As the electoral contest heats up, Spio-Garbrah warned Ghanaians to be cautious about NPP’s continued misinformation and propaganda, especially in the lead-up to a crucial election. He called for a critical examination of all claims made by political adversaries, urging citizens to prioritize fact over hearsay. His strong stance represents an effort to galvanize support within the NDC and to encourage voters to look past the distractions created by the NPP’s rhetoric.
Finally, Dr. Spio-Garbrah underscored the importance of integrity among political leaders, suggesting that if Dr. Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate, continues to propagate falsehoods, his political prospects will remain limited. Thus, Spio-Garbrah concluded his address by reinforcing the notion that the NDC is committed to responsible governance and ethical leadership, urging Ghanaians to reject unverified accusations and to focus on candidates who demonstrate their intent to positively contribute to the nation.
