Demagoguery and patronage truism characterize NPP's presidential nomination

The conduct of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) impending presidential candidacy appears to be characterized by demagoguery and populism. Demagoguery is a strategy frequently used by politicians to convince voters by appealing to their emotions rather than their senses.

By speaking their (voters') minds as if they share in their anguish and aggravation and acting as if they are a part of the suffering bunch, the protagonists in this case acquire the skill of entering the voters' sub-consciousness. Such a strategy has produced some seemingly magical effects, but as soon as the demagogues master object manipulation methods, their true goals become clear. Many revolutionaries have made it their main source of income. To drive through such impassioned tirades that some people cry, they embrace and study the art of oratory. This helps them win the compassion of their helpless targets.

Without any additional investigation or analysis of what the demagogues are putting forth on the platforms, the naive brains fall into a frenzy. In their ecstatic states, the common people frequently praise the gestures and body language with phrases like "good orator; charismatic; our savior among others." The quintessential example in Ghana was the time of Jerry John Rawlings, when the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) occupied a significant portion of Ghana's political calendar. In some cases, Ghanaians really spelled Junior Jesus instead of Rawlings J.J. That is the degree to which demagogues may influence public opinion.


As is customary, some candidates vying for the NPP presidential nomination are using a variety of strategies to attract voters—in this case, delegates—who are eligible to cast ballots in the party's presidential primary in November.The aforementioned strategies are starting to come into focus quite forcibly in the days leading up to the Ne Patriotic Party's (NPP) presidential primary. There is the blatant establishment proxy backing and patronage of a candidate; the populists' ability to incite the general public against the elites; and, of course, the desire to buck the mediocrity trend that has characterized Ghanaian politics in favor of substance and truth.

patronage and establishment support through proxies

The incumbent Vice President appears to be depending on the goodwill of the Jubilee House and its appointees for support because he has not yet provided a clear manifesto outlining his objectives for Ghana. The obvious query is, "What is Dr. Bawumia waiting for?" for his employers to advise him on when to move? Is the prodigal protégé being tele-guided in such a crucial matter as the election of the future president of Ghana? Are the people of Ghana ready for a leader who would rule indirectly?

It's remarkable how current MPs, whose terms of office are determined by the same party delegates, are promoting the Bawumia candidacy. My investigations have revealed that the majority of these MPs face losing their seats due to poor performance or a lack of political will to follow through on their choice to remove Ken Ofori Atta as the finance minister. According to reliable sources, some "Bawumia supporting MPs" are tagging along with the Bawumia propagandists because, as ministers of state, they are concerned about being blackmailed by the establishment, which is why they are just feigning support for the Bawumia campaign.

What happened to Bawumia's position as the Economic Messiah, then? In order to register and provide Bawumia with an NPP card, the NPP broke its membership code prior to his selection as Akufo Addo's running mate in 2008. The party made the unpopular choice to partner Nana Addo with "economic genius" Bawumia. The expectation was that an Akufo Addo administration wouldn't lack for efficient economic management and growth with Bawumia as Vice President.

Bawumia and his proxies now assert that the Vice President is more of a Super High-Way IT expert after overseeing what was arguably the worst economic time in the nation's political history. Not a messiah of the economy anymore? So, I'll ask: Where are the National Communication Authority (NCA) CEO Joseph Anokye and Minister of Communication and Digitization Ursula Owusu Ekuful? Do they remain on duty? The manner Bawumia is attempting to stray from his "rightful" portfolio is pitiful.

Facts will always be holy; substance is more important than mere bravado.

Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has thus far proven to be the most prepared, dedicated, and fearless candidate to lead the NPP. He has provided what many people believe to be a prognosis of Ghana's condition and the appropriate application of necessary medication. In his inaugural presidential proclamation broadcast, Alan's observations on Ghana's revival were recorded. His goals include putting the private sector at the forefront of Ghana's development, cracking down on poor work habits and enforcing discipline, getting rid of arrogance in our power structure, leading a passionate call for excellence, getting things done rather than talking, and avoiding polarization in our politics.


In fact, Alan qualifies as a top-tier manager and leader based on his thorough analysis of Ghana's issues, which has been lacking in our leadership structure for some time. The former trade minister has also been open and honest about Ghana's economic situation and how it would damage the chances of the ruling party in 2024.Many Ghanaians find Alan's honesty and truthfulness to be endearing. It distinguishes him as a transformational leader whose administration will completely renounce the populist promises that have not produced the expected results during our thirty-year journey in the 4th Republic.

The concertos of populism and demagoguery

Others, on the other hand, are still enamored with demagoguery and believe that reviving the populist charisma can help them win the NPP nomination. Kennedy Agyapong, one of the candidates, is particularly rewriting the populist style in the hopes that the average Ghanaian will connect with such demagoguery. However, how effective have such conceited politicians been elsewhere as well as in Ghana?Demagoguery was a skill that several former Ghanaian leaders mastered.

Jerry Rawlings is a prime example, as was already mentioned. He was able to influence many common Ghanaians to the point where they agreed with a horrifying cry like "Let the Blood Flow." With the advantage of hindsight, the majority of Ghanaians have seen how they were mistreated by the stolid rhetoric of the so-called revolution's high priest. Agyapong has been at his most combative in a number of media interviews, challenging his own political party and pledging to expose them if they challenged him.


reveal who and what?Oddly, a few NPP supporters appear to be succumbing to Ken Agyapong's deceptive politics. Hard talk? Is it the end of the subject of leadership? Anyone with a serious understanding of speech analysis will acknowledge that whenever Ken Agyapong went on such a noisy tangent, his attention was being properly restricted. His most recent outburst was brought on by GRA's routine audit of his corporate tax liabilities.

Is Ken Agyapong exempt from such investigation? Why should Ken Agyapong be afraid of GRA's inquiries into his tax responsibilities as someone who has the intention of running for President?It's time for the numerous average guys who think Ken Agyapong is their spokesperson to investigate why the Assin Central MP has made such sporadic political utterances into his specialty. Nothing is being spoken on behalf of the average Ghanaian; it is just being done to fit his personal agenda. But the more important query is: What is Ken Agyepong's vision for Ghana and the NPP? We have not yet found any similar readings anywhere.