As the December elections fast approach, it’s expected that certain individuals and groups, driven by their own interests, will make attempts to influence public opinion. Many of these actors are known to receive substantial financial incentives from the ruling party to achieve their goals. A recent example involves a dispute over a reported three million Ghana Cedis (GHC 3 million) given for a specific project, sparking conflict between the parties involved.
AFAG’s recent condemnation of Hon. Asiedu Nketia seems to fall into this pattern, stimulating questions about the motivation behind their statement. The language used, and the decision to involve his family in the critique, display a politically biased stance rather than an objective one.
Firstly, is Hon. Asiedu Nketia’s statement not factual? His comments seem to be a reiteration of well-known truths, just stating what is obvious. What is so controversial or untoward about stating plain facts?
Secondly, is Hon. Asiedu Nketia the only political figure to make such remarks? Where was AFAG’s condemnation when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) made the Ashanti region the ONLY factor in selecting its running mate? Was AFAG silent when, at the inauguration of NAPO, several NPP leaders claimed that NAPO belongs to them, urging Ashantis to vote overwhelmingly for the party?
Furthermore, where was AFAG when NAPO himself declared that the Ashanti region should deliver an 85% vote share for the NPP after his nomination? And what about Dr. Bawumia’s call for all Muslims to support him in the upcoming elections?
In these instances, AFAG remained silent, issuing no statements cautioning against tribalism or ethnocentrism. So why now? Why speak out at this particular moment, if not for political reasons?
This selective activism exposes a level of hypocrisy and bias in AFAG’s actions, suggesting they may be indirectly campaigning for a particular political party. Such behavior is harmful to our democratic process and must be condemned. AFAG’s conduct undermines their credibility, and it’s essential that they reflect on this and acknowledge their wrong move. It is a miscalculation because this time around, such machinations will not work on the Ghanaian voter. They must be exceptionally condemned for their actions and Ghanaians should treat their criticism with the contempt it deserves.
Long live Ghana’s democracy,
Long live Ghana.
Thomas Elleamo Yankey(Nobody)
Atlanta, U.S.A
