The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is rallying support for their candidate in the Akwatia by-election by invoking the memory of the late MP, Ernest Kumi, and accusing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of contributing to his untimely demise. NPP communicator George Kwarteng alleges a sustained campaign of harassment and intimidation against Kumi, orchestrated by the NDC, ultimately leading to his death. This narrative frames the by-election as not just a contest for a parliamentary seat, but a referendum on the NDC’s alleged conduct and a chance for the people of Akwatia to hold them accountable. Kwarteng’s pronouncements seek to galvanize voters by tapping into their sympathy for the deceased MP and their potential resentment against the NDC.
Kwarteng’s accusations paint a picture of relentless persecution. He claims the NDC pursued Kumi from his constituency in Akwatia to the halls of Parliament and even to the privacy of his own home. This alleged hounding created an atmosphere of constant pressure and stress, which, according to Kwarteng, significantly impacted Kumi’s health and ultimately contributed to his death. The severity of these claims suggests a deliberate and malicious campaign to undermine and break the late MP, transforming the by-election into a symbolic battle against alleged bullying and injustice.
The NPP’s strategy hinges on portraying the NDC as aggressors who abused their power and influence to target Kumi. Kwarteng’s assertion that “state security” was used to intimidate the late MP raises serious concerns about the alleged politicization of state institutions and the potential misuse of authority. This allegation adds another layer to the narrative of victimization, suggesting that the NDC not only harassed Kumi personally but also leveraged the power of the state to intensify their campaign against him. This narrative aims to resonate with voters who value fairness and accountability in governance.
The call to “punish” the NDC at the polls transforms the by-election into a form of retribution. The NPP seeks to channel the grief and anger of the electorate into a powerful electoral statement against the party they hold responsible for Kumi’s death. This framing positions the act of voting not just as a civic duty but as a moral imperative, a way to honor Kumi’s memory and defend against future abuses of power.
The NPP’s message centers on the idea that a vote for their candidate is a vote for justice for the late MP. Kwarteng argues that the only way to truly honor Kumi’s legacy is to deny the NDC any political gain from their alleged actions. By securing victory for the NPP, the people of Akwatia can symbolically reject the NDC’s alleged tactics and affirm their commitment to fair and respectful political discourse. This appeal to principle seeks to elevate the by-election beyond a simple contest for power and frame it as a fight for the integrity of the political process.
By framing the by-election as a response to Kumi’s death and the alleged circumstances surrounding it, the NPP aims to mobilize its base and sway undecided voters. The narrative of a dedicated public servant hounded to his death by political opponents creates a powerful emotional appeal. By linking the by-election to this narrative, the NPP hopes to leverage public sympathy and outrage to achieve victory, effectively turning the tragic loss of their MP into a potent political tool. This strategy relies on a strong emotional connection with the electorate, transforming a local election into a symbolic battle against perceived injustice.
