The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has vehemently denied allegations of engaging a Ukrainian public relations firm, Brandcom, to orchestrate a smear campaign against President John Dramani Mahama during the 2024 general elections. These allegations, published by AllAfrica.com on July 31, 2025, claimed that Brandcom was pursuing a $280,000 payment from the NPP for online propaganda services allegedly rendered during the election period. The NPP, in a swift and decisive response, categorically refuted these claims, labeling them as entirely false, baseless, and defamatory. The party’s official statement, released on August 3rd and endorsed by the Communications Directorate, unequivocally denied any past or present contractual relationship with Brandcom, regardless of its location.
The NPP’s denial extended beyond simply refuting the existence of a contract with Brandcom. The party explicitly stated that it had never authorized or instructed any foreign entity to engage in unethical digital practices, including creating fake social media accounts, disseminating disinformation, or conducting smear campaigns. This denial encompasses not only the 2024 election cycle but extends to all previous campaigns. The NPP emphasized its commitment to running campaigns based on policy discussions and ethical conduct, further distancing itself from the alleged actions described in the AllAfrica.com report. This comprehensive denial serves to underscore the party’s commitment to transparency and integrity in its political endeavors.
The party’s statement also strongly condemned the publication of the allegations, characterizing them as a deliberate attempt to damage the NPP’s image and erode public trust. This assertion highlights the potential impact of such accusations on the party’s reputation and its standing with the electorate. The NPP demanded an immediate retraction of the claims from AllAfrica.com and reserved the right to pursue legal action against both Brandcom and any media outlets that perpetuate the dissemination of these unsubstantiated allegations. This firm stance underscores the seriousness with which the NPP views these accusations and its determination to protect its reputation from what it perceives as malicious and unfounded attacks.
The NPP’s emphatic denial and threat of legal action represent a strong counteroffensive against the allegations. The party seeks to not only clear its name but also deter further dissemination of what it considers to be damaging misinformation. This proactive approach reflects the NPP’s commitment to maintaining its credibility and upholding ethical standards in the political landscape. By forcefully rejecting the claims and taking a firm legal stance, the NPP aims to prevent any lasting damage to its public image and maintain its standing as a reputable political force.
The allegations, if proven true, could have serious implications for the NPP, potentially undermining public trust and impacting its political future. Such accusations could raise questions about the party’s commitment to fair and transparent elections, casting doubt on the legitimacy of its electoral successes. Furthermore, the alleged involvement of a foreign entity in influencing the election process could raise concerns about external interference in Ghana’s democratic processes, a sensitive issue with potential national security ramifications.
However, in the absence of concrete evidence to substantiate the claims, the allegations remain just that – allegations. The NPP’s robust denial and threat of legal action serve as a strong counterpoint, challenging the credibility of the accusations and demanding accountability from those who propagate them. The unfolding situation highlights the importance of verifying information and exercising caution in accepting uncorroborated claims, particularly in the charged atmosphere of political discourse. It also underscores the potential for misinformation to be weaponized for political gain, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of information and a commitment to upholding journalistic integrity.