The John Mahama led Government is clearly doing well in serving the fiduciary trust reposed in it by the good people of Ghana who brought it into being, after the predecessor government clearly failed to govern the country. Some of us are too proud to be serving in the Government and we would do all we can not only to ensure that the Government succeeds, but also to be sure that Ghana doesn’t relapse into the hands of those who have no business being in Government and those who have no clue when it comes to the effective and efficient management of scarce state resources to translate into developmental outcomes that can tangibly be reflected in the lives of the ordinary Ghanaian people.
It has increasingly become a communication strategy of the New Patriotic Party NPP and some members of the Minority Caucus to characterize virtually every initiative, policy and achievement of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government as either a “scam” or a “sham.” These labels are repeatedly propagated through Parliament, press conferences, radio and television discussions, social media platforms and other public forums, often without presenting substantial facts or empirical evidence to support such claims.
In every constitutional democracy, political parties are entitled to criticize government policies and hold the executive accountable. However, fairness, accuracy and responsible public discourse require that allegations made in the public space be accompanied by facts and reasoned arguments. Persistent use of derogatory labels based on emotions without adequate explanation, risks misleading citizens and undermining informed democratic debate.
It is therefore imperative that NDC Members of Parliament and government communicators actively challenge such assertions by demanding specifics. If a policy or programme is derogatorily described as a “scam” or a “sham,” those making the allegations should be called upon to identify the particular policy, project or expenditure involved and provide credible evidence to support their claims. This approach aligns with the principles of accountability, transparency and responsible political engagement.
Speaking as a Member of Government, I would say that our communication machinery must become more proactive and responsive. Effective communication is not merely about announcing our achievements; it is equally about protecting the integrity of government policies and ensuring that citizens are accurately informed. Failure to promptly counter misinformation or unsubstantiated allegations may create an erroneous perception that the Government is underperforming when evidence suggests otherwise. So, whenever the Minority Leader or members of the Minority Caucus describe government initiatives as fraudulent or deceptive, the Majority Caucus and government spokespersons should not allow such narratives to dominate the public space unchecked. Timely responses, fact-based press releases and engagement with the media, are essential to ensure that Ghanaians receive balanced information and are able to assess competing claims objectively.
Democracy thrives on vigorous debate, but debate must be grounded in facts rather than slogans. It is therefore necessary for all stakeholders to promote issue-based politics and avoid narratives that seek to diminish public confidence without providing evidence. Ultimately, the Ghanaian people deserve informed discourse and objective assessments of government performance, not propaganda driven by repetition and rhetoric.
The following Strategic Recommendations for Countering Propaganda must be worked with:
1. We must establish a Rapid Response Communication Team dedicated in monitoring
statements made by opposition figures and immediately issue fact-based responses. Silence and being focused only on the reset agenda, often allows misinformation to gain traction.
2. We must Demand Specifics and Evidence.
Whenever terms such as “scam” or “sham” are used, we must challenge critics to identify the particular project or policy involved; the legal or factual basis for the allegation; and documentary evidence supporting their claims. This shifts the debate from derogatory terminologies, insults, baseless allegations and slogans to facts.
3. We must use Data and Independent Verification and publish periodic scorecards showing Projects being undertaken or completed; Economic indicators; Employment figures; and Infrastructure & social interventions.
Independent reports and audited figures carry greater credibility and so we must use them to debunk needless oppositional noise that seeks to propagate propaganda and lies over and over again, in the hope that they may be taken as truth.
4. Members of the Majority Caucus should vigorously defend government policies during parliamentary debates and through media engagements, ensuring that misinformation is corrected promptly. Hon Ayariga and Team are doing well but there’s more room for more improvement.
5. Government communicators should engage television, radio and social media more frequently with
Press conferences, Infographics, Short videos, Fact sheets and Community engagements.
6. We must also consider Legal Remedies where necessary. While freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, knowingly publishing false statements that injure reputations or undermine public confidence may attract legal consequences under existing laws. Where allegations are defamatory or malicious, appropriate legal remedies should be considered to protect the integrity of public institutions and individuals.
7. Our responses must also promote issues-based politics. We must focus on achievements and facts rather than personal attacks as the Good Citizens of Ghana are more persuaded by evidence than by emotional exchanges. Every press release, accusation or allegation should be met with Documentary evidence, Statistics, Timelines and Clear explanations. We must note that public opinion is shaped not merely by who speaks first, but by who presents the most credible and verifiable facts.
Political communication is an essential component of democratic governance. Repetition of derogatory labels without substantiation should not be allowed to become accepted truth through sheer frequency. The most effective response is not insults or counter-propaganda, but a disciplined, evidence-based and legally conscious communication strategy that reassures Ghanaians that government remains accountable, transparent and focused on delivering results.
Yaw Gyampo
A31, Prabiw
PAV Ansah Street
Saltpond
&
Evans Owusu
Accra.