Kwasi Kwarteng, a former Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Education, has publicly criticized Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, for what he perceives as excessive celebration and self-promotion following the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) victory in the 2024 elections. Kwarteng characterized Bawah Mogtari’s conduct as akin to someone who has won a lottery or made a lunar expedition, implying an overinflated sense of accomplishment disproportionate to the event. He expressed his disapproval of the NDC’s overall demeanor, suggesting they are acting as if the country has been irrevocably bestowed upon them despite the cyclical nature of democratic elections in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. Kwarteng emphasized the historical context of nine separate elections held since the inception of the Fourth Republic, implicitly reminding the NDC that electoral victories are not permanent mandates.
Kwarteng’s criticism was spurred by Bawah Mogtari’s commentary on a recent confrontation between Emeafa Hardcastle, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, and Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri. Bawah Mogtari defended women who assert their rights in challenging situations, arguing that they are frequently labeled as disrespectful when they stand up for themselves. This defense seemingly resonated with Bawah Mogtari on a personal level, tying into Kwarteng’s perception of her post-election behavior. He viewed her online presence and public pronouncements as excessively self-congratulatory and attention-seeking, hence his comparison to winning a lottery and traveling to the moon.
Kwarteng’s core argument focuses on the perceived disproportionality of the NDC’s reaction to their electoral victory. He contends that while winning an election is a significant achievement, it does not warrant the level of self-aggrandizement and triumphalism displayed by Bawah Mogtari and, by extension, the NDC. He believes their behavior suggests a sense of entitlement and a lack of understanding of the fluctuating nature of political power in a democratic system. By highlighting the nine previous elections held under the Fourth Republic, Kwarteng sought to underscore the transient nature of political power and caution against the hubris he perceived in the NDC’s celebrations.
The crux of the disagreement between Kwarteng and Bawah Mogtari seems to lie in their contrasting interpretations of appropriate conduct following an election. While Bawah Mogtari, through her comments on the Hardcastle-Annoh-Dompreh confrontation, appeared to advocate for assertive self-expression, especially for women facing criticism, Kwarteng countered that assertiveness should not devolve into vulgarity or disrespect. He emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity and respect even while defending oneself, suggesting that true strength lies in composed, respectful engagement rather than aggressive or boastful behavior.
Kwarteng’s use of the lottery and moon landing analogies was intended to highlight what he perceives as an exaggerated sense of self-importance on Bawah Mogtari’s part. He implies that her actions and pronouncements following the NDC’s victory reflect an inflated view of her own significance and the significance of the election outcome. He seemingly sees her public pronouncements as not merely expressions of political confidence but as displays of excessive pride and an unwarranted sense of entitlement. By framing her actions in this way, Kwarteng sought to diminish her credibility and portray her as out of touch with the realities of Ghana’s political landscape.
In essence, Kwarteng’s critique boils down to a call for humility and decorum in the exercise of political power. He suggests that the NDC, and Bawah Mogtari in particular, should temper their celebrations and approach their newfound authority with a greater sense of responsibility and respect for the democratic process. He argues that their current behavior suggests a lack of understanding of the tenuous nature of political victories and a disregard for the principles of humility and respect that should guide political discourse. His statement serves as a reminder that political fortunes can change, and that respect for the democratic process and for opposing viewpoints is crucial for maintaining a healthy political environment.
