Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the Campaign Spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Special Aide to John Dramani Mahama, has publicly expressed concerns regarding the tactics employed by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the 2024 general elections approach. In a Facebook post dated October 29, Madam Mogtari claimed that the NPP is attempting to sway rural voters through the distribution of material items such as salt and kerosene. She criticizes this strategy, asserting that the NPP is intentionally diverting attention from pressing economic issues facing the country by using short-term, superficial incentives to win favor among vulnerable populations.
Mogtari pointed out that the NPP’s focus on offering tangible items rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue about Ghana’s economic challenges speaks volumes about their disregard for the real needs of the citizens. According to her, the ruling party’s failure to address the struggles of the populace is indicative of a broader strategy to distract from their own shortcomings. She suggested that the political environment is marred by a lack of genuine solutions and that the NPP’s reliance on material inducements reveals an unwillingness to confront the socio-economic difficulties that many Ghanaians endure daily.
In her message, Mogtari urged rural constituents to critically evaluate the intentions behind the NPP’s offerings. She expressed concern that these gestures are not rooted in genuine concern for the welfare of the people but are instead temporary tactics aimed at securing votes. The real issues facing rural voters, including poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient healthcare services, remain unacknowledged by the NPP. Mogtari’s plea serves as a reminder for voters to prioritize long-term solutions over transient handouts that may provide fleeting relief but do not address the root causes of their struggles.
Mogtari emphasized that the hardships experienced by rural communities should not be overshadowed by these token gifts. She implored voters to remember the economic decline they have faced over the years and to make informed decisions when polling. Her statements are particularly aimed at empowering the electorate to resist manipulation through short-lived incentives. By drawing attention to the impactful realities of poverty and neglect in rural areas, Mogtari seeks to foster a sense of unity among voters who deserve substantive change, rather than hollow promises.
Moreover, Mogtari criticized the NPP’s former economic advocates, like Vice President Bawumia, for their perceived failure to provide innovative and concrete solutions to the nation’s problems. Instead of addressing the pertinent issues, they have resorted to distributing small items in the hope of garnering electoral support. Mogtari’s comments reflect not only discontent with the current administration’s governance but also a call for accountability and responsibility. The emphasis on providing real economic solutions stands in stark contrast to the perceived opportunistic tactics employed by the NPP.
In conclusion, Mogtari rallied not only her party members but all voters to remain vigilant against tactics that seek to exploit their vulnerabilities during the electoral process. By framing the NPP’s approach as a superficial strategy, she reinforced the idea that the welfare of the constituents must come first and urged them to advocate for policies that genuinely address their challenges. The discourse surrounding these electoral tactics highlights a critical moment in Ghana’s political landscape, where the choices made in the upcoming elections could have lasting implications for the nation’s future.
