Ghanaian journalist, Awudu Mahama has urged the New Patriotic Party to draw critical lessons from the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) previous internal conflict, warning that propaganda and character assassination can permanently destroy political careers and weaken party unity.
Using the widely discussed contest between Asiedu Nketia and Samuel Ofosu Ampofo as an example, Mahama said the NDC’s internal election should serve as a cautionary tale for the NPP as the party navigates its own flagbearer contest. He claimed that during the NDC’s internal race, damaging allegations were used strategically to discredit Ofosu Ampofo, painting him as a “good man and a church elder” who was falsely accused to make him appear weak.
He argued that although Ofosu Ampofo eventually lost the race to Asiedu Nketia, the consequences were more severe than merely losing an election. “Today, when they mention the names of presidential hopefuls, do you hear Ofosu Ampofo’s name?” he asked. “No. The man has been silenced and sidelined completely.”
Mahama fears the NPP is heading in the same direction, with some Kennedy Agyapong supporters pushing narratives that could damage Dr. Bawumia’s reputation within the party. Among these is the controversial claim that Kennedy Agyapong has created 7,000 jobs.
“This is exactly how internal political battles destroy people. A lie is repeated so often that it begins to appear as truth,” he warned.
He noted that internal divisions weakened the NDC for years and argued that the NPP must avoid falling into the same cycle of self-inflicted damage. “Internal politics should not be about destroying others. When we do that, we weaken not just individuals but the entire party machinery,” he said.
Mahama urged party leaders to take charge and manage the escalating rhetoric before irreversible damage is done. “We must learn from the mistakes of others. Internal propaganda may win a battle, but it can cost the party the war,” he added.
