KEY POINTS
- NPP’s Nana B accuses John Mahama of making comments that could incite violence.
- Mahama has been vocal about election-related issues, drawing sharp criticism.
- Calls for political leaders to maintain calm ahead of the 2024 elections continue to grow.
The Ghanaian political arena has been active once again as Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) fired shots at former President John Dramani Mahama.
Nana B, as he is popularly called, has accused Mahama of making provocative statements that could lead to the destabilization of the country in the run-up to the 2024 general elections.
In a press briefing, Nana B said he fears that Mahama’s recent speeches are becoming popular for what he calls a dangerous narrative. He said this could cause some form of unrest, especially in the light of political tension.
This is especially so given the fact that the former president has not ceased to comment on matters concerning Ghana’s electoral process and the Electoral Commission in particular.
GhanaWeb reported that Nana B called on Mahama to stop using words that may provoke tensions in the course of the elections.
“We require responsible leadership from all quarters, especially from someone who has been the president of this country,” Nana B stressed, adding that the peace of the country cannot be taken for granted.
Mahama’s continued attack on the electoral process
The leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Mahama has not hidden his disappointment in the electoral process in Ghana.
He has time and again stated that the 2020 general elections were characterised by irregularities and he still doubts the credibility of the Electoral Commission (EC). Mahama’s criticisms have resonated with his supporters but have elicited negative reactions from the NPP which considers them as provocative.
Some of the comments made by Mahama have been cautioning the public on the possibility of future electoral malpractices, remarks which Nana B and other NPP functionaries have accused of being aimed at sowing seeds of doubt in the country’s electoral system. The former president, in their opinion, could use rhetoric that would cause unnecessary tension and fear among the voters.
With the nation gearing up for another very keenly contested election in 2024, such verbal volleys between the NPP and the NDC are raising political temperatures. The NPP has argued that what Mahama should be doing is to encourage peace and unity and not incite people.
Appeals for stability and mature management
As the country prepares for the 2024 general election, which is still about 24 months away, political players and civil society organisations are urging all stakeholders to be reasonable.
Some have urged people to avoid using abusive language and instead encourage civil dialogue. Nana B’s criticism of Mahama can be placed in a larger context where politicians are being advised to refrain from any action or utterances that may lead to the breakdown of law and order.
It is believed that political rivalry will continue to escalate in the next few months, however, there is optimism that Ghana will maintain its record of conducting peaceful elections.
However, the NPP and NDC are being encouraged to put the interest of the nation above that of the party by taking into consideration the recent harsh exchanges between the two parties.
In his closing remarks, Nana B echoed the same sentiments as his boss when he said, “We have been through many elections, and we have always come out stronger. I believe that, with the right leadership, we will do the same again in 2024. ”
