Comedian Derick Kobina Bonney, popularly known as DKB, recently expressed his disappointment and hurt following the backlash he received for a social media video he created in support of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagship 24-hour economy policy proposed by former President John Dramani Mahama. Despite his intentions to promote the policy during the political campaign, DKB faced severe criticism online, with many netizens misinterpreting his message. His attempts to explain how businesses and banking institutions would supposedly operate round-the-clock under Mahama’s plan were ridiculed by various users, leading to an overwhelming amount of negative feedback directed towards him.
The criticism intensified with notable figures, including Franklin Cudjoe, president of Imani Ghana, joining in the mockery by labeling DKB’s advert as “very crappy.” The public condemnation greatly affected DKB, who openly identifies as a supporter of the NDC. In a heartfelt video, he articulated his distress over the situation, revealing that his emotional pain stemmed not only from the mocking comments but also from an official statement released by the NDC’s National Communications Director, Sammy Gyamfi. The release was perceived as distancing the party from DKB’s advertisement, further compounding his feelings of betrayal and disappointment.
DKB recounted how the negative attention he received felt overwhelming, noting that he woke up to insults and later encountered the NDC’s press release, which added salt to his wounds. He conveyed that the lack of protection and a supportive stance from the NDC left him exposed to ridicule from both critics and fellow sympathizers. Despite his emotional turmoil, DKB maintained his affection for both John Mahama and the ideas behind the 24-hour economy, though he wished the party had shown more solidarity during his challenging time.
In response to DKB’s situation and the independent adverts being produced by party sympathizers, the NDC’s National Communications Bureau issued a statement. In it, they encouraged party members who wished to create promotional content to first seek guidance from the Communications Bureau in order to ensure the consistency of messages and effective communication throughout their campaign efforts. Sammy Gyamfi underscored the importance of maintaining a unified narrative in winning over voters, suggesting that independent ads could potentially dilute the party’s message, which is crucial in the lead-up to the December elections.
The NDC’s communication sought to clarify that individual adverts made without coordination could undermine the party’s campaign strategy. By encouraging sympathizers to liaise with the National Communications Bureau, the NDC aimed to foster a collaborative approach to messaging, ensuring that all supporters are well-aligned with the party’s overarching objectives. This move also reflects the challenges faced by political parties in managing grassroots enthusiasm while maintaining a cohesive and effective campaign narrative.
Overall, DKB’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential backlash when individual efforts, however well-meaning, do not align with an organization’s official messaging. His ordeal highlights the intricate balance that comedians and other public figures must navigate between personal expression and the expectations of political affiliations. The NDC’s response shows an understanding of the complexities of managing public perceptions and reinforces the necessity of strategic communication within political campaigns. As DKB continues to grapple with these developments, the significance of unified messaging for political parties remains evident, especially in the unpredictable arena of social media.
