Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, January 24, 2025, Prof. Mensah expressed concern over Afenyo-Markin’s dominant presence in debates and public engagements since the 9th Parliament began. He warned that this approach risks overshadowing the collective image of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), replacing it with a single individual’s persona.
“Currently, as we speak, he’s the only image in our minds. Since this process started, he’s the only person you see talking. And that is a very dangerous path to create for a political party in terms of imagery,” Prof. Mensah observed.
He explained that a political party’s image should reflect the strength and diversity of its members rather than focusing on a single individual. “As a political branding expert, I can tell when someone becomes too dominant. You risk replacing the party’s image with your own, creating a one-person minority. You don’t want that,” he emphasized.
To address this, Prof. Mensah urged Afenyo-Markin to provide opportunities for other NPP MPs to take the lead in debates and public discourse. “He should probably let others take the podium instead of always being the one speaking,” he suggested.
This caution comes amidst ongoing discussions about the NPP’s strategic communication and branding ahead of the next general elections. By sharing the spotlight, Afenyo-Markin can help the party showcase a collective voice, reinforcing its brand as a united front representing diverse perspectives.
The expert’s remarks underscore the importance of balanced representation in political communication to maintain the integrity of a party’s brand while avoiding over-reliance on a single figurehead.
source; modernghana