MyNewsGH has reported that lawyer and outspoken NPP figure Maurice Ampaw revealed on his Wontumi Radio show that the New Patriotic Party had serious concerns about facing former President John Mahama in the 2024 elections. His remarks exposed the internal apprehensions and strategic pivots the NPP undertook to counter Mahama’s enduring popularity.
Ampaw disclosed that Mahama’s political appeal lay not in his past leadership record but in his unmatched ability to emotionally connect with the Ghanaian populace. “It wasn’t his achievements we feared,” Ampaw said. “It was how deeply he resonated with ordinary people.” He emphasized Mahama’s continued connection with citizens from all walks of life, even years after leaving office.
“You might criticize Mahama, but you can’t ignore his charisma,” Ampaw stated. “He speaks the language of the people — whether it’s market women or the youth — and his brand has stayed strong.”
This authenticity, Ampaw noted, posed a major threat to the NPP’s chances. “We couldn’t just rely on policy debates or intellectual arguments,” he said. “If it came down to who the public related to more, we would have lost badly.”
Faced with this dilemma, Ampaw admitted the party shifted tactics. “So, we chose to go after his character. We used propaganda,” he said, revealing that the NPP intentionally tried to weaken Mahama’s public image by reviving old scandals and spreading negative narratives, including attacks on his personal life.
Despite these efforts, Mahama’s popularity remained intact and even appeared to grow. Ampaw observed that many voters began to sympathize with Mahama, viewing him as a resilient and relatable figure who endured unfair attacks. “Yes, the NPP feared John Mahama,” he confessed. “Our attempts to damage his reputation — the so-called JANDAM strategy — ultimately failed.”
Source