Samuel Awuku, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has speculated that Ghana’s upcoming general election may represent a dramatic change in political tactics, contending that the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC) will face different challenges due to President John Dramani Mahama’s anticipated absence from the ballot.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, April 22, Mr. Awuku highlighted what he called a trend in Ghanaian presidential elections: the eventual withdrawal of long-standing contenders, which forces their parties to shift positions.
He pointed out that Mr. Mahama has been a prominent candidate in several elections, such as those in 2012, 2016, and 2024.
“This popular NDC politician will not be on the ballot in 2028,” Mr. Awuku said, suggesting that his absence would create both a challenge and an opportunity for the party.
Mr. Awuku likened the circumstances to those of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) when former president Nana Akufo-Addo withdrew from presidential campaigns.
One of the most well-known political leaders of his generation, Akufo-Addo ran for office in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 before resigning in front of the 2024 election.
Mr. Awuku claims that his departure forced the NPP to introduce what he called “a new candidate” to the voters, necessitating the party to make investments in gaining support and recognition from the bottom up.
“We were faced with a new candidate, a fresh man, and we needed to market him to the people,” he said.
The MP contended that visible campaign tactics like billboards and branded items are overemphasized and that political campaigning in Ghana is frequently misinterpreted.
“Political marketing is not just the billboards and the T-shirts,” he said. “The actual marketing is on the ballot.”
Mr. Awuku went on to say that voters are more influenced by a candidate’s identity, credibility, and perceived preparedness for government at the time of voting than by campaign visibility.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Joseph Asare
