With Ghana's December 2024 election just around the corner, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has kicked into high gear, spreading misinformation and deception. This is all part of their strategy to impose their so-called economic messiah, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on the Ghanaian people.
As the NPP's flagbearer, Bawumia has expressed confidence in leading his party to victory, many Ghanaians have argued, that his party's tactics of spreading falsehood are undermining Ghana's democratic process.
When an incumbent president or government wants to retain power at all costs, there are several signs citizen must look out for. Here are some of them:
- *Suppression of Dissent*:
They may try to silence opposition voices, restrict civil liberties, and intimidate critics.
- *Manipulation of Institutions*:
Incumbent government may try to manipulate or control key institutions like the judiciary, electoral commission, or the media to maintain their grip on power.
- *Election Interference*:
Incumbent governments may interfere with the electoral process, including voter suppression, gerrymandering, or rigging election results.
- *Cronyism and Nepotism*:
They may appoint party loyalists and family members to key positions, like the Electoral Commission, Judiciary, Ministry of Finance, the Security Services etc; undermining the rule of law and perpetuating corruption.
These among other signs may indicate, that an incumbent president or government is willing to do whatever it takes to retain power, even if it means undermining democratic institutions and principles.
A critical study of the current state of affairs, in Ghana, hints that, the ruling NPP party is getting desperate to retain power, and with the upcoming election looming, they're sensing a possible loss even in their strongholds. In a bid to sway public opinion, their affiliated radio and TV stations have started spreading misleading information.
A recent example of this is the case of Ohenaba Nana Asiedu from Wontumi TV in the Ashanti region.
Ohenaba Nana Asiedu, an NPP affiliated radio and TV host at Wontumi FM in Kumasi, was on November 23, 2024 arrested by the Ghana Police Service for allegedly spreading false information. Specifically, he claimed that registered voters would have to cast ballots for different presidential candidates on separate days during the upcoming December elections.
The police deemed his claims "false and likely to disturb the public peace," and he was subsequently detained for violating section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Asiedu is currently in police custody and will face court proceedings.
With the election expected to be highly competitive, it's essential for Ghanaians to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of misinformation.
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