The New Patriotic Party (NPP), through its Director of Communication for the Bawumia Campaign, Dennis Miracle Aboagye, has appealed for cooperation and adherence to established electoral procedures as Ghana navigates the critical phase of vote collation following the presidential primaries. Mr. Aboagye emphasized the party’s unwavering faith in the Electoral Commission (EC) and its established processes, distancing the NPP from any actions that could jeopardize the integrity of the elections. He stressed that victory would be secured through strategic acumen and not through violence or disruption. The call for calm and collaboration comes amid heightened tensions and concerns about potential irregularities during the collation process, a crucial stage in determining the outcome of the highly contested primaries.
Mr. Aboagye’s appeal directly countered what he characterized as “reckless” comments by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Director, Sammy Gyamfi. Mr. Gyamfi had reportedly urged NDC supporters to converge at collation centers, a move the NPP spokesperson viewed as potentially inflammatory and disruptive. While advocating for vigilance and the protection of ballot papers, Mr. Aboagye underscored the importance of allowing the EC officials and security personnel to carry out their duties unimpeded. This call for restraint seeks to prevent any escalation of tensions or confrontations that could undermine the credibility and peaceful conclusion of the electoral process. By emphasizing the NPP’s commitment to respecting the EC’s authority, Mr. Aboagye aimed to project an image of responsibility and adherence to democratic norms, contrasting it with what he portrayed as the NDC’s potentially disruptive approach.
The NPP communication director expressed confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s performance in the primaries, indicating that their internal collation of results pointed towards victory. However, he carefully avoided prematurely declaring a win, emphasizing the importance of awaiting the official results from the EC. This cautious approach reflects an understanding of the sensitivity surrounding premature announcements and their potential to fuel speculation or disputes. It also underscores the NPP’s commitment to respecting the EC’s mandate as the sole authority empowered to declare the final outcome of the elections. By refraining from preemptive declarations, the NPP sought to maintain an atmosphere of calm and respect for the electoral process, allowing the EC to complete its work without undue pressure or interference.
Mr. Aboagye’s statement strategically blended expressions of confidence in victory with calls for calm and adherence to procedure. This dual approach served to both reassure NPP supporters while also projecting an image of responsibility and respect for democratic processes. He emphasized that intelligence, not violence, was the key to securing victory, distancing the NPP from any potential accusations of inciting unrest or attempting to influence the outcome through illegitimate means. This messaging aimed to portray the party as committed to a fair and transparent process, even as they expressed optimism about their candidate’s performance.
The emphasis on cooperation with the EC and security personnel highlighted the NPP’s understanding of the critical role these institutions play in maintaining order and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. By urging their supporters to facilitate the work of these bodies, the NPP aimed to contribute to a peaceful and credible conclusion to the primaries. This call for cooperation also serves to counter any narrative that the NPP is seeking to undermine or obstruct the work of the EC. By projecting an image of collaboration and respect for institutions, the NPP sought to reinforce the legitimacy of the electoral process and its outcome.
The NPP’s communication strategy during this critical phase of the electoral process is clearly focused on projecting an image of confidence, responsibility, and respect for democratic norms. By emphasizing their trust in the EC and urging their supporters to cooperate with officials, the NPP seeks to ensure a smooth and peaceful conclusion to the primaries. This approach contrasts with what they depict as the NDC’s more confrontational stance, thereby framing the NPP as the party of stability and adherence to the rule of law. The underlying message is that the NPP believes in winning through legitimate means and respecting the established electoral processes, emphasizing that ultimately, the will of the people, as expressed through a fair and transparent election, will prevail.
