The upcoming December 7, 2024, general elections in Ghana have become a stage for contrasting campaign strategies, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) taking divergent paths in their pursuit of electoral victory. Joshua Alabi, Campaign Manager for NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, has leveled accusations against the NPP, alleging that their focus has been skewed towards manipulating the electoral process rather than presenting concrete policies and programs to address the nation’s challenges. This accusation paints a picture of two competing visions for Ghana’s future, one focused on grassroots engagement and policy substance, and the other allegedly preoccupied with strategies to unduly influence the election outcome.
Alabi’s critique highlights a fundamental difference in approach between the two parties. While the NDC, he claims, has invested its energy in directly engaging with voters and articulating its vision for the country, the NPP’s alleged preoccupation with electoral manipulation undermines the democratic process. This contrast, according to Alabi, reflects the NDC’s confidence in its policies and its belief in the power of genuine grassroots engagement to win the hearts and minds of the electorate. He portrays the NDC as a party committed to addressing the real concerns of Ghanaians, while the NPP is depicted as focusing on manipulating the system to secure power.
The NDC’s campaign strategy, according to Alabi, centered on building a strong connection with voters at the grassroots level. This involved extensive outreach programs, town hall meetings, and direct interactions with citizens across the country. By engaging directly with the electorate, the NDC aimed to understand their concerns, articulate its policy proposals, and build trust with the people. This approach, Alabi contends, resonated deeply with voters who appreciated the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and genuine engagement. The NDC’s visible presence throughout the campaign period, coupled with its clear and consistent messaging, further solidified its connection with the electorate.
Conversely, Alabi’s accusation against the NPP depicts a party more focused on manipulating the electoral machinery than on engaging in substantive policy debates. This alleged focus on electoral manipulation raises concerns about the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. Alabi’s claim that the NPP’s primary concern was “how to cheat” suggests a lack of confidence in their policies and a willingness to circumvent democratic norms to secure victory. This perceived disconnect between the NPP and the electorate potentially undermines the party’s credibility and raises questions about its commitment to democratic principles.
The NDC’s focus on grassroots engagement, Alabi argues, yielded tangible results. He points to the strong support the party received throughout the campaign as evidence of the effectiveness of its strategy. The positive response from voters, he claims, was a direct result of the party’s commitment to addressing their concerns and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Voters, according to Alabi, expressed their desire for change and their belief in the NDC’s ability to deliver on its promises. This groundswell of support, he suggests, is a testament to the power of genuine engagement and the resonance of the NDC’s message.
Furthermore, Alabi highlights an interesting dynamic that emerged during the campaign. While the NDC focused on engaging voters, he claims that the party received numerous calls from citizens expressing their support but also their concerns about potential electoral manipulation. The recurring plea from voters, “we shall vote for you, but protect the votes,” underscores the prevailing anxiety surrounding the integrity of the electoral process. This concern, according to Alabi, prompted the NDC to reassure voters of its commitment to safeguarding the ballot and ensuring a free and fair election. This added layer of concern from the electorate, coupled with Alabi’s accusations, further emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
