Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, the Founding President of the UP Tradition Institute, has launched a scathing critique of what he perceives as the superficial and simplistic nature of political sloganeering in Ghana. He specifically targets the “Win With Bawumia” campaign slogan employed by supporters of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, arguing that it lacks substance and offers no concrete policy direction. Dr. Opoku derisively refers to the slogan’s reduction to the chant “Aka 9 pɛ,” implying its emptiness and detachment from meaningful political discourse. He asserts that focusing on catchy phrases and simplistic messaging trivializes the complexities of governance and undermines the electorate’s need for informed decision-making. Instead, he advocates for a politics grounded in substantive policy discussions that address the real challenges facing the nation.
Dr. Opoku’s critique extends beyond the “Win With Bawumia” slogan to encompass a broader condemnation of the tendency within Ghanaian politics to prioritize superficial messaging over concrete plans and demonstrable achievements. He contends that this trend reflects a disregard for the intelligence of the electorate and an attempt to manipulate public opinion through emotionally charged rhetoric rather than engaging in reasoned debate. He emphasizes that effective political campaigns should present clear policy platforms, demonstrable track records, and a vision for the future, rather than relying on empty slogans and simplistic pronouncements. This, he believes, is essential for fostering a healthy democracy where citizens make informed choices based on a thorough understanding of the candidates and their proposals.
To bolster his argument against the efficacy of mere sloganeering, Dr. Opoku draws parallels to historical election results, demonstrating how narrow margins of victory have not always translated into electoral success. He cites instances where candidates with seemingly achievable targets fell short, highlighting the unpredictable nature of elections and the limitations of assuming simplistic calculations will determine the outcome. By referencing past electoral experiences, he underlines the importance of a comprehensive and robust campaign strategy that goes beyond superficial messaging to address the diverse needs and concerns of the electorate.
He cites the 2004 presidential election, where the late President John Evans Atta Mills, despite needing only a 7% swing in votes, lost to incumbent John Agyekum Kufuor. Similarly, in 2012, Nana Akufo-Addo needed a mere 0.24% to defeat John Mahama but ultimately lost. These examples, according to Dr. Opoku, demonstrate that small margins do not guarantee victory and that effective campaigning requires more than just appealing slogans. He argues that a deeper connection with the electorate, based on trust, policy resonance, and a demonstrated understanding of their needs, is crucial for electoral success.
Furthermore, Dr. Opoku references the 2020 election, where John Mahama, despite requiring only a 6% shift in votes, failed to unseat incumbent Akufo-Addo. This, he argues, further solidifies his point that narrow margins are not indicative of guaranteed victory. He then speculatively suggests, based on the premise of his argument, that even if Dr. Bawumia were to maintain Akufo-Addo’s 51.3% vote share from 2020, he could still hypothetically lose to John Mahama. This speculative scenario serves to emphasize his overarching point that electoral success is not merely a matter of numerical margins but hinges on a comprehensive and engaging campaign strategy that resonates with the electorate.
In concluding his critique, Dr. Opoku emphasizes the critical need for substance over sloganeering in Ghana’s political landscape. He urges political actors to move beyond simplistic messaging and engage in meaningful dialogue about the complex challenges confronting the nation. His call for “#TRUTH over LIES” encapsulates his conviction that honesty, transparency, and substantive policy discussions are essential for a healthy democracy. He believes that focusing on empty slogans not only disrespects the electorate but also undermines the potential for meaningful progress and development in Ghana. He advocates for a political culture where critical issues are addressed with depth and sincerity, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry capable of making sound political choices based on substance rather than superficial rhetoric.
