By Yaw Adomako Baafi
In the ever-evolving landscape of Ghanaian politics, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) must remain vigilant and discerning, especially when assessing the performance of political opponents. Recently, some NPP members have been hailing John Dramani Mahama and his National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for their appointments, particularly for including young people in leadership. However, this misplaced admiration not only distorts historical facts but also risks giving undue advantage to the opposition.
The Misplaced Praise of Mahama’s Appointments
One of the dominant arguments used by Mahama’s admirers within the NPP is that he has demonstrated exceptional leadership by appointing young people. However, history proves that this is neither new nor unique to his administration. As far back as the Busia administration in the late 1960s, young men were entrusted with key governmental roles. John Agyekum Kufuor, at just 29 years old, was appointed Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs—a precedent that underscores the NPP’s long-standing commitment to youth inclusion in governance.
The same practice continued under Kufuor’s presidency, though many appointees were older due to the NPP’s extended period in opposition. However, when Nana Akufo-Addo assumed office, he actively appointed several young, dynamic leaders, including:
- Kojo Oppong Nkrumah
- Samuel Abu Jinapor
- Dominic Nitiwul
- John Kumah
- Asenso Boakye
- Stephen Amoah
- Abena Osei-Asare
- Herbert Krapa
- Fatima Abubakar
- Bernard Okoe Boye
- Alfred Tua Yeboah
- Amma Pomaa
- Mavis Nkansah Boadu
- Ohemaa Dokuaa
- Godred Yeboah Odame.
These appointments exemplify the NPP’s consistent effort to involve youth in governance, long before Mahama’s administration. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, had he won the 2024 elections, would have undoubtedly done even more, given his remarkable inclusion of young people in his campaign structure.
The Fallacy of Mahama’s All-Inclusive Leadership
Another misguided claim is that Mahama has been fair in his appointments, ensuring representation for all factions within his party. A critical look at the situation proves otherwise. A significant number of NDC stalwarts, who played crucial roles in his electoral success, have been sidelined from major appointments. These include:
- Zanetor Rawlings
- Kwaku Boahen
- Isaac Adongo
- Nii Lante Vanderpuye
- Barbara Asamoah
- Peter Boamah Otokunor
- Joseph Yamin Twum Barima
- Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah
- Baba Jamal
- Mustapha Gbande
- Alhaji Nasiru
- Alhaji Alidu
- Fred Agbenyo
- Joshua Akamba
- Arko Ghan
- Banahene
If Mahama were indeed as magnanimous and fair as some NPP members claim, why have these influential figures been neglected while others, mostly those he can easily control, have been given key positions? His appointments are not driven by inclusivity but by nepotism, favouritism, and a desire to consolidate power within a small circle of loyalists.
The Repercussions of Undue Praise for Political Opponents
History has shown that unmerited praise of political rivals can have severe consequences. When members of a political party begin glorifying an opponent unnecessarily, it weakens their own party’s credibility, demoralizes supporters, and shifts the political momentum in favour of the opposition. Here are six key dangers:
1. Weakening Internal Party Unity
When NPP members praise Mahama excessively, they create divisions within the party. Some members may feel that their own leadership is being undermined, leading to internal disunity that weakens the party’s ability to strategize effectively for future elections.
2. Unintentionally Legitimizing False Narratives
If the NPP joins the chorus of Mahama’s admirers, it gives undue credibility to narratives that may not be entirely accurate. This makes it harder to challenge his leadership failures in the future.
3. Undermining the Party’s Achievements
By glorifying Mahama’s appointments, NPP members risk downplaying their own party’s long-standing history of empowering young leaders. This could make the electorate forget the NPP’s achievements and shift their loyalty to the opposition.
4. Strengthening the Opponent’s Electoral Prospects
When an opponent is unduly praised, it boosts their public image and increases their chances of winning future elections. If NPP members continue to endorse Mahama’s governance, they are indirectly making him a more formidable candidate for 2028.
5. Demoralizing Party Supporters
Grassroots supporters take cues from party leadership and influential voices. If they see their own people celebrating the opposition leader, they may lose faith in their own party’s ability to offer better alternatives.
6. Strategic Miscalculation for 2028
Every election is a battle of perception. If NPP members continue to lavish Mahama with praise, it makes it difficult to present a compelling case against him in 2028. Political campaigns thrive on contrast—showcasing why one candidate is a better option than the other. If that contrast is blurred, the NPP will struggle to rally voters effectively.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant, Stay Strategic
While acknowledging an opponent’s achievements in a fair and balanced manner is commendable, exaggerated and unwarranted praise can be politically self-destructive. NPP members must be cautious not to inadvertently elevate Mahama’s status at the expense of their own party’s credibility.
Instead of glorifying Mahama’s appointments, the focus should be on:
1. Exposing his flaws and highlighting his administration’s shortcomings.
2. Presenting superior policy alternatives that resonate with voters.
3. Rebuilding for a stronger comeback in 2028, ensuring the NPP remains the party of progressive governance.
4. Emphasizing the positive legacy of NPP leaders like Busia, Kufuor, and Akufo-Addo.
5. Upholding the legacy of Dr. Bawumia as a visionary leader with bold solutions, strong emotional and social intelligence, and unwavering godliness.
These three essential duties must always be the focus of the NPP—not the undue praise of an opponent.
The 2024 election may be over, but the political battle is far from finished. The real task ahead is ensuring that the NPP learns from its mistakes, rebuilds its image, and prepares a formidable campaign that highlights its strengths and superior governance track record. The party’s success in 2028 depends on discipline, unity, and strategic thinking—not on unmerited eulogies of John Mahama.
