A viral post circulating on WhatsApp has sparked confusion and concern among Ghanaians, claiming that former President John Dramani Mahama is distributing GHS500 as campaign funds to citizens in the lead-up to the December 2024 general elections. The post, which has been widely shared across various WhatsApp groups in Ghana, encourages people to click on a link to claim the money. However, a thorough investigation has revealed that the claim is entirely false and part of a phishing scam.
The WhatsApp message, captioned “John Dramani Mahama 500GHS Campaign Funds for Ghanaians,” directs potential beneficiaries to follow a link, where they are told they can receive the GHS500 by answering questions and selecting a “gift box” option. The message instructs users to share the link with multiple WhatsApp groups or individual contacts in order to be eligible for the supposed reward. The message has been widely circulated, with some people believing it to be legitimate due to the familiarity of Mahama’s name and his political association.
However, upon investigating the claim, DUBAWA, an organization dedicated to promoting accurate media consumption and fighting misinformation, uncovered the true nature of the link. When clicked, the link takes users to a campaign flyer featuring John Mahama, claiming he is giving out GHS500 to Ghanaians for his presidential campaign. Users are then prompted to answer a series of questions, and after completing these, they are asked to select one of several “gift boxes.”
After making the selection, a message informs users that they have won the GHS500, but only if they share the link with five WhatsApp groups or 15 individual contacts. This tactic is commonly used in phishing scams, where personal information is gathered, and users are encouraged to spread the link in an attempt to increase its viral reach. The fact that the reward is contingent upon sharing the link with others further raises suspicion, as legitimate campaign donations would not require individuals to engage in such a scheme.
To confirm the fraudulent nature of the claim, DUBAWA thoroughly checked official sources, including John Mahama’s verified social media pages and those of his political party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). There was no mention of such a campaign fund or any money being distributed to voters. Instead, Mahama’s official Facebook page posted a disclaimer on November 10, 2024, directly addressing the circulating WhatsApp message, marking it as “Fake!!” The post was clear in warning the public not to fall for the fraudulent scheme.
Additionally, prominent individuals close to Mahama, such as his aide Joyce Bawa Mogtari and other NDC officials, have not shared any details regarding this supposed GHS500 campaign fund. If such a distribution were happening, it would likely be publicized by official party representatives, but this has not been the case.
Moreover, the claim contradicts Ghana’s electoral laws, which strictly prohibit vote-buying. Section 33 (1) of the Representation of the People Law, 1992 (PNDCL 284), makes it clear that offering money directly to potential voters in exchange for their vote constitutes a criminal offense. Given that John Mahama is a seasoned politician who has previously held the office of President, it would be highly improbable for him to engage in such a scheme, especially when he is well aware of the legal implications.
In fact, Mahama has made public efforts to fund his campaign through legitimate means. On March 22, 2023, he launched a fundraising initiative to gather voluntary financial contributions from supporters. This initiative was transparent and above board, highlighting Mahama’s commitment to running a clean and lawful campaign. Thus, it is highly inconsistent for Mahama to offer direct monetary incentives to voters while simultaneously running a proper fundraising campaign.
This scam is an example of the types of fraudulent schemes that tend to proliferate around election seasons. It exploits people’s hopes and vulnerabilities, especially in a time when public interest in politics is at a peak. During elections, misinformation and scams like this can be especially damaging, as they create confusion and mistrust among voters.
In conclusion, the viral WhatsApp message claiming that John Dramani Mahama is distributing GHS500 as campaign funds to Ghanaians is a baseless and fraudulent claim. DUBAWA’s investigation and Mahama’s official social media channels have both debunked this rumor. Ghanaians are urged to remain cautious and avoid engaging with suspicious links or sharing them with others. It is essential to verify the information before acting on it, especially during this critical election period, to protect oneself from falling victim to scams.
As Ghana approaches the December 2024 elections, it is important for citizens to stay informed and critically evaluate the messages they encounter online. The spread of misinformation can have serious consequences, and it is up to all of us to ensure that our electoral process remains fair and transparent.
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