The NPP Campaign: From Snake Oil to “Extra Virgin Olive Oil” – The Evolution of Political Promises

When it comes to politics, especially in a vibrant democracy like Ghana’s, election campaigns often become a battlefield of promises, with parties vying to win the hearts (and votes) of the populace. The New Patriotic Party (NPP), one of the dominant political forces in Ghana, is no stranger to this game. However, as the 2024 election looms closer, the NPP's messaging seems to have taken a turn that can only be described as a masterclass in political “rebranding.” Imagine this: You've been following a charismatic salesman (or party, in this case) who, in 2016, handed you a bottle labeled “Snake Oil” with a promise that it would cure all your ailments—from the economy to unemployment. Fast forward to 2020, the same salesman returned with a slightly tweaked formula—still snake oil but now with added “extra special” ingredients to address any side effects you might have noticed. Now, in 2024, this scenario takes a twist so bizarre it could be the plot of a Ghanaian telenovela. The NPP campaign rolls up with a new product: “Extra Virgin Olive Oil”—not just any olive oil, but one extracted from the very same snake oil you were sold in previous elections. They now claim this refined oil cures all ailments, even those caused by the original snake oil! And, as if that’s not mind-boggling enough, they confidently declare that you have to buy it—because, after all, they are the only ones who sell original products. The humor in this situation might be lost on those who have faced the consequences of unfulfilled promises and economic policies that seemed more like snake oil than actual solutions. But let’s break it down a bit: 1. The Snake Oil of 2016 Back in 2016, the NPP came with a wave of change and hope. They promised a “One District, One Factory” initiative, free Senior High School education, and a revitalized economy that would be the envy of the continent. Many Ghanaians were sold on this dream, eagerly buying into the vision of a new dawn. The snake oil was sold in bulk—after all, who wouldn’t want a miracle cure for all that ailed the nation? 2. The Upgraded Snake Oil of 2020 By 2020, it was clear that the snake oil had its limitations. The factory count wasn’t as high as expected, the economy was taking hits from multiple fronts, and there were growing pains with the implementation of the free SHS policy. But the NPP wasn’t backing down. They upgraded the snake oil—perhaps added some herbal extracts—and told Ghanaians that with a little more time and patience, all would be well. 3. The Extra Virgin Olive Oil of 2024 Now, in 2024, the NPP seems to be taking a different approach. They’ve realized that perhaps it’s time to move away from the snake oil, at least in name. So, they’ve introduced “Extra Virgin Olive Oil,” a product that promises to be the cure-all that the snake oil wasn’t. But here’s the kicker: this olive oil is supposedly derived from the snake oil itself! 4. The Only Game in Town? The NPP’s latest campaign rhetoric also seems to carry a subtle (or not-so-subtle) implication that they are the only ones who can sell “original products.” This could be seen as a clever marketing strategy—rebrand the old, slap on a new label, and convince the voters that the competition is selling cheap imitations. Conclusion In the end, the NPP’s 2024 campaign is shaping up to be an interesting blend of continuity and change—a rebranded promise that attempts to acknowledge past failures while selling a new vision. Whether Ghanaians will buy this “extra virgin olive oil” or not remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in politics, perception is reality, and the NPP is banking on the fact that their new and improved product will be seen as the only choice worth considering. So, as we approach the election season, it might be wise to keep an eye out for the fine print on those bottles of olive oil. After all, even extra virgin olive oil can be a bit slippery! Let’s see if the NPP’s rebranding strategy works, or if Ghanaians will finally call out the snake oil for what it really is.

Ken Agyepong the “frankenstein Monster” - Backfired strategy and DMB’s Dilemm

Ken Agyepong the “frankenstein Monster” - Backfired strategy and DMB’s Dilemma Dr Alhaji Mahmoudu Bawumia emerged the victor in the battle for the NPPs flag after a much heated campaign characterized by bickering, betrayals and strategic maneuverings. Affer “bombing a lot of bridges” the campaign team needs to rebuild a lot of bridges. But it is not in the interest of some “constituencies” that their bridges are rebuilt. One of such constituencies is Hon Ken Agyepong and his campaign team” I will tell you why in a few paragraphs. Ken Agyepong, the 'Frankenstein Monster' in the NPP's political drama, resembles Mary Shelley's creation—a tale of ambition gone awry. Agyepong, initially favored by Kuffour, turned the tables and used his gains to back Nana Akuffo Addo, only to later pivot for his own presidential dreams. “Frankenstein," written by Mary Shelley, tells the haunting tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but misguided scientist, who, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, creates a monstrous being from reanimated dead tissue. This creature, abandoned by its creator, grapples with its own existence and the rejection it faces from society. As the story unfolds, the monster seeks companionship and understanding, only to be met with fear and hostility. The novel explores themes of ambition, the consequences of playing god, and the complexities of human nature. Similar to Frankenstein, Former president Kuffour awarded a lot of juicy contracts to hon. Ken Agyepong in the hope that he will support the Hon Alan Kyeremateng campaign. In the mind of the former president, Hon Ken Agyepong was safe to invest in because his level of education is not that high and he (Ken) did not have presidential ambition. (K4 Supported Alan because it was a gentleman's agreement between the two brokered by elders in Asanteman in 1998 for Alan to allow K4 to unseat Adu Boahene as the NPP’ candidate) Hon Ken Agyepong quickly turned his back on former president Kuffour and used the resources he had gained to finance the then presidential candidate Nana Akuffo Addo. Fast forward, Akuffo became the president, he again awarded a lot of juicy contracts to Ken Agyepong for his loyalty. Again believing that Ken will support and finance is chosen successor because up until then, Ken had not demonstrated any presidential ambition and did not even possess presidential qualities and was not making any efforts in that regard. After Nana Akuffo Addo had settled on Dr Bawumia as his chosen successor, the biggest competitor was Alan Kyeremateng the the trade minister. Realizing that Alan was very strong in the Ashanti region, part of the strategy was to file many candidates who could steal some votes from Alan’s Constituencies. Two such candidates were Atopa Akoto (Hon Dr Afriyie Akoto) the Agric Minister and Hon Kenn Agyepong. The strategy worked to perfection as Alan withdrew from the race and later from the NPP altogether after just the super delegates congress where he was given a humiliating defeat. However that same strategy also allowed Ken Agyepong to see a huge opportunity of becoming the president himself and he decided to exploit it. He then capitalized on the frustrated and dejected supporters of Alan Kyeremateng who also came through for him during the national delegates congress placing him as the first runner up. This is where it gets more intriguing, the NPP settled on Dr Bawumai for two main reasons, the first is that he is a northerner and the party has never had a northern leader leading them to a national election. even though this is the second time someone from the north has been the vice president through the party. Had DMB lost these primaries, it would have fed into the narrative that the NPP only uses northers and dropped them. Secondly the NPP know that based on their poor performance with the economy, there is a high probability of losing the 2024 election so they need a younger candidate who would still be around and still be popular when President John Mahama finished his last remaining 4 year term. This to me is the “breaking the eight” they have been talking about. Now the risk to the NPP’s strategy is that Dr Bawumia will need all the NPP support and more to win in 2024, including Alan and Ken Agyepong’s support. Now Alan is already out of the equation his support is gone Ken Agyepong’s support is also gone. and this is my reason for saying so. Dr. Bawumia emerges as the chosen one, the NPP faces a dilemma. Agyepong, having tasted the allure of presidential ambition, isn't eager to endorse Bawumia and shelve his dreams until his seventies. It's like asking him to RSVP to a political retirement party. . Secondly, all previous NPP governments had given him enough resources for him to be able to execute a proper campaign in 2028 with more forward planning. which means that it is in Ken’s supreme interest that Dr Bawumia loses the 2024 elections. The playing field will be more level for each presidential hopeful in 2024 than it is now if the party goes into opposition. Again in 2014, Bawumia will not have an incumbent president to back him and more likely not have the level of resources he currently has to execute a more flamboyant campaign. In this high-stakes chess game, Bawumia needs the support of Agyepong, who's already eyeing the vulnerabilities in 2027/28. Picture Ken, rubbing his hands together, envisioning a less resourceful Bawumia post-2024 defeat, a tantalizing prospect for his own future campaign. The irony? The very man Bawumia counts on for support might be secretly plotting otherwise. As the political chessboard unfolds, we're left wondering: who's the true beneficiary of the NPP's strategic moves? The suspense builds as we eagerly await the next move in this political chess match!"

Alan Kyeremanteng's Leap into the Abyss: Maverick or Misfit?

Alan Kyeremanteng's Leap into the Abyss: Maverick or Misfit? In the grand theater of Ghanaian politics, a sudden twist has left many spectators scratching their heads in disbelief. The man of the hour, Honorable Alan Kyeremanteng, recently took a leap of faith – or should we say, a leap of independence – by resigning from the NPP and announcing his bid as an independent presidential candidate. It's a move that has stirred the political pot, and it's as surprising as discovering a pineapple on your pizza: unexpected and a tad perplexing. But before we dive into the depths of this intriguing maneuver, let's pay our respects to the man himself. Alan Kyeremanteng's loyalty to the NPP is the stuff of legends. He's been like the party's favorite pair of slippers – dependable, well-worn, and never straying too far. Unlike some politicians who've had more party memberships than shoes, Kyeremanteng's political life has been as straightforward as a ruler's edge. Remember, even before some folks knew him as the former trade minister in 2007, his presidential ambitions started germinating back in 1993. He was all set to throw his hat into the NPP's presidential primaries ring, but tribal chiefs and elders played the role of the 'Ambition Deflator' and convinced him to step aside for John Agyekum Kuffour. That's the kind of guy he's been – a team player, always ready to pass the ball when the coach says so. But fast forward to today, and it seems like he's decided it's time to snatch the ball and run with it. After patiently waiting in the political dugout while Kuffour and Akufo Addo took their turns, he's been hit with the news that Dr. Bawumia is the chosen one. Suddenly, it's like someone yelled "musical chairs," and the music stopped with Kyeremanteng standing. Now, the man who's been as loyal to the NPP as a dog to its master finds himself without a party. So, here's the million-dollar question: Why would a dyed-in-the-wool NPP stalwart suddenly make this dramatic political U-turn? Sure, he's given his reasons, but we all know that politics is never just a straight line. It's a classic case of 'David vs. Goliath' as Kyeremanteng realized he was more like David, armed with a slingshot, while Dr. Bawumia seemed like a political Goliath with all the resources and momentum. It's like trying to race a Ferrari on a tricycle. The Kyeremanteng campaign seemed to have more leaks than a leaky boat. He couldn't replicate the buzz and support he had in 2007, probably because his campaign found itself low on gas money, charisma, and young, energetic cheerleaders. As for those charismatic supporters who used to rally behind him, they either jumped ship for a better offer or retired to enjoy a well-deserved political siesta. In his final campaign, Kyeremanteng was left with the political equivalent of leftovers - a rather unappetizing prospect in a race of this magnitude. It's like showing up at a banquet with last night's reheated leftovers; you're in for an embarrassing defeat. But what really raises eyebrows is why he'd choose this moment to go solo. Kyeremanteng hasn't been financing his campaigns with Monopoly money. He had some generous backers who poured cash into his political dreams. If he doesn't become president, they're the ones left with empty pockets. Now, here's where it gets even more interesting. Rumor has it that a small group of Akyem folks, led by President Akufo Addo, have taken over the NPP. Other party strongholds are feeling a little left out and want their turn in the political limelight. But how do you wrestle control of the party when it's in power? Simple, bring it into opposition. This strategic move might just be Kyeremanteng's way of saying, "I'm going to be the chaos in the NPP's cozy tea party." In opposition, other power players from various strongholds might have a better shot at seizing control. And remember, when a party is in opposition, anything can happen. Even your neighbor's pet parrot might consider running for president. So, is Kyeremanteng's move a brilliant strategy or a political kamikaze mission? Only time will tell. But for now, it's the talk of the town, and it's as perplexing as a cat trying to understand quantum physics. Watch this space; Ghana's political theater just got a lot more interesting.

Why ECOWAS is just blowing hot air but will not enter Niger

Unveiling Geopolitical Chess: Allies and Intrigue Amidst Niger's Crisis In the aftermath of the recent coup in Niger, a complex geopolitical drama unfolds as alliances and interests collide. Following the seizure of President Mohamed Bazoum, General Abdourahamane Tchiani of the presidential guard declares himself the leader of a military junta and head of state. As tension escalates, the ECOWAS coalition threatens military intervention if democratic governance isn't restored. However, the junta's unexpected backing from neighboring nations has shifted the power dynamics dramatically. France and ECOWAS now loom on Niger's horizon, issuing a stern ultimatum to the junta: release the ousted president or face invasion. Yet, uncertainty hovers over the military capabilities of Niger's forces in countering ECOWAS and its allies, prompting many to scrutinize the strength of support from neighboring countries. In this blog, I will spotlight five nations willing to back Niger in its crisis, each with their unique motivations and odds of success. Number 5: Guinea Niger finds an ally in Guinea, where the National Committee for Rally and Development (CNRD), which overthrew President Alpha Conde in 2021, endorses the new leadership. Guinea anticipates that Niger's junta will work diligently for stability and unity in the nation and the broader sub-region. This camaraderie underscores a shared experience of coup-led governance and the conviction in fostering peace. Number 4: Algeria Algeria, a surprise entrant into the coalition, pledges military support to safeguard Niger from France and ECOWAS. Rooted in the belief that the crisis should be internally resolved, Algeria fears a Libya-like scenario if external forces intervene. Algeria's own struggles against French control of its resources possibly underscore its solidarity with Niger's cause. Number 3: Russia Amid rising anti-French sentiments, Russia emerges as a player, potentially aligning with Niger. Despite controversies surrounding Putin, Russia's potent military force could be utilized to bolster Niger's junta and resist external intervention. The presence of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary entity, in the region further solidifies this alignment. Number 2: Mali Mali, scarred by French exploitation, stands united with Niger against external pressures. Mali's gold resources, the 15th largest globally, and shared disdain for France drive their alignment. Similar to Niger, Mali has also witnessed coups against perceived French-backed regimes, reflecting a common sentiment of addressing economic woes through change in leadership. Number 1: Burkina Faso Burkina Faso's support for Niger's coup echoes its recent history. President Ibrahim Traoré's overthrow of the previous government marked his emergence as the youngest African president. Traoré's defiance against perceived French influence resonates with Niger's stance, driven by a conviction that Africa must secure better trade agreements and resist impoverishment through resource exploitation. As the chessboard of alliances shifts, the fate of Niger hangs in the balance. These nations, united by shared experiences and grievances, navigate a tumultuous landscape where traditional power dynamics are tested. The outcome remains uncertain, but their collective resolve challenges the status quo and demands a reconsideration of Africa's future trajectory.

And Otumfour Laughed in Public

The arrest and torture of a citi TV and citi fm journalists Caleb Kudah, the suspension of Captain Smart of Angel Broadcasting Network and The overlord of Asanti kingdoms laughing in public might appear unrelated. But there is a covalent bond holding all these and many others together and it is called the NPP government. Caleb was arrested because he wanted to cover a story that is inimical to the image of the government. Captain smart was suspended because some elements within the government had threatened the management of the network that he made statements that puts the government in public ridicule. So he should be taken off air. Otumfour laughed in public because some young over zealous minister thought he could dictate to him what he should say in public. (Otumfour rarely laugh in public, so he probably did it to let them know how funny their attempts to gage him is) This attempt at gaging no less a person than the Otumfour speaks volumes about how far this governing NPP would go to ensure that absolutely no one in this country makes any derogatory remarks about the sleazy manner the country is being run. Otumfour's public outburst explains all there is to understand the new culture of silence that many have had a reason to complain about recently, notable among them Sir Sam Jonah. If a young minister could muster the audacity to approach the Otumfour to instruct him on what to do, one can imagine what the government machinery can do to those who have no such power as the Otumfour. Many of the the loud voices we heard yesterday are probably silent because they have either been bribed or threatened to shut up, and probably both. This is the sad reality of the country we have built. The overt display of brut force and blatantly chicanery has made complete nonsense of the democracy we were proud of just a few years ago. State institutions have been hijacked, private institutions have been usurped and private people commandeered all to serve the demagogue and his cabal of few tribes men. This is a government that solves every problem of the country through the communication channel. How then can they tolerate any opinion that might not be in sync with their propaganda? "Once a political system has been corrupted right from the very top leaders to the lowest rungs of the bureaucracy, the problem is very complicated. The cleansing and disinfecting has to start from top and go downwards in a thorough and systematic way. It is a long and laborious process that can be carried out only by a very strong group of leaders with the strength and moral authority derived from unquestioned integrity.” Le Kuan Yew. That integrity is exactly what the government of his excellency Nana Akuffo Addo has done everything to divorce itself from. You can not insist on doing the right thing with out having to look over your shoulders. "when did the rain begun to beat us?" Prof Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang.

Voting NPP in 2020 is treason

In just a little over two months Ghanaians are heading to the pools to elect who will manage our collective destinies and deliver us from the shackles of poverty and under development that has ensnared us. The two leading contenders and their parties have already launched their manifestos with very catchy phrases like "4 more for Nana to do more from the NPP" and the NDC's "J&J rescue mission". Fortunately for Ghanaians the two leading contenders have had an opportunity to manage this country before, so for their promises should count for less. A comparison of their deeds while in office should be a better judge than mere campaign slogans. The size of Ghana's economy was 41.6Bn dollars in 2012, under the presidency of JD Mahama 2012 to 2016, it grew to 54.5bn dollars, a nominal increase of some 13bn dollars. This figure is projected to get to 66bn dollars by the end of 2020, a nominal increase of some 11bn dollars. Clearly the change we voted for in 2016 has been to our detriment. The 13bn will generate more jobs for the youth than the 11bn. Ghana's debt at the end of 2012 stood at 26bn dollars, it increased to 70bn by the end or John Mahama's reign 2012 to 2016 an increase of 54bn. This national debt however shot up from 70bn in 2016 to 140bn dollars as at the middle of august 2020 and this does not include the hidden borrowing of 2bn from the syno hydro deal and the year has not ended. A nominal increase of some 70bn dollars. This huge borrowing has been supervised by the very same people who ‘basterdized ‘the Mahama government for its penchant for loans and borrowing. Once in government the NPP government under president Akuffo Addo has changed their disgust for borrowing to what the borrowing was used for. Arguing that borrowing is a good thing if used for investment, to justify why they have borrowed so much. Their argument is that if borrowed funds are invested, it grows the economy creating jobs and more opportunities for government to be able to pay back those debts. Which is very true, investment in infrastructure such as roads enhances efficiency of our productive sectors making them more competitive. This spur their growth and allow them to create more employment opportunities. Now let’s take at look at the capital invest patterns under the rein of these two leaders. In 2013, Ghana's capital investment as a percentage of GDP was 26.5% which increased to 29.5 in 2014 to 30% in 2015 dropping to 27.8 in 2016 and JD Mahama. Under president Akuffo Addo Ghana's capital investment dropped to 22.2% in 2017, rose a little to 24.5 in 2018 and peaked at 26.5 in 2019. Under capital investment, John Mahama's worst performance in 2013 equals President Akuffo Addo's Best performance in 2019. The NPP’s own mantra on what the borrowing was used for does not go in their favour. This is where fellow Ghanaians we should be angry with the NPP, if all these borrowing has occurred with even lower capital investment, how badly can an economy be run? Let's put the radar on corruption for a minute, Transparency International corruption perception index scored Ghana at 46%, 48%, 47 and 43 respectively for years 2013.2014,2015 and 2016 under Former President Mahama. Under Akuffo Addo the numbers are 40%, 41% and 41% for 2017, 2018, and 2019 respectively. Here again John Mahama outperforms Akuffo Addo. With all these numbers and facts below, it should be treasonable to vote for the NPP in the 2020 elections. Its more like anything they touch turns south, how can we grow and develop under such a government? Is the NPP asking us for for more years of this abysmal performance? This country indeed needs rescuing, and the NDC’s rescue mission could not be more appropriate.

Yakubu Nyanba

WHY JM's 10bn INVESTMENT PLAN (THE BIG PUSH) IS THE GAME CHANGER FOR GHANA's DEVELOPMENTAL NARRATIVE The former PRESIDENT John Dramani Mahama has announced in the NDC's 2020 Manifesto that he will deploy 10bn worth of infrastructure to facilitate the country's development and create jobs, these are the reasons I think it's a game changer. The Big Push will provide the needed ground speed needed for Ghana's economy to be airborn. Our high social overhead costs ie low infrastructure makes the cost of doing business ecxessively high in Ghana. This makes Ghanaian industries uncompetitive in the global market square. China discovered this early and invested, that is why they have become the worlds factory. They have the worlds fastest commercial train in the world - the Maglev with a peak speed of 431km/h. This could enable me to move from my birth village Bekwai to the central business district of Kumasi in about 5 minutes, or allow the minority leader to live in Tamale and work in parliament house in Accra. He will make the journey in less than two hours, less time than some people spend commuting from one part of Accra to the other. Our industries are suffering because of the the high cost of doing business in Ghana, mainly due to the the high cost of land, utilities, and sourcing raw materials. 1. Land is not expensive outside Accra but the high cost and inefficient transport system makes it almost impossible to site industries outside Accra without incurring huge losses in terms of sourcing raw materials and sending finished products to the market. 2. The high transportation costs incurred by industries sourcing raw materials from the hinterland are due mainly to poor roads. Some industries find it cheaper buying soya from Brazil than buying them from northern ghana. With good and efficient roads we can reverse that. Not only will industry sources cheap raw materials locally, farmers will also have lucrative market for their produce. That will make our industry more competitive. 3. The construction sector that will be the main recipient of this huge funding will be able to employ many young women and man even before the effects on industry are felt.This also creates purchasing power for other productive sectors. 4. Huge infrastructure programs like these are far superior to subsidizing particularly industries because they reduce the cost for every industry to flourish. Industries are more likely to crumble under rising costs if targeted subsidies are withdrawn. 5. This kind of infrastructure investment level the playing field for all superior business models to flourish. Under 1d1f, the government is basically picking winners and giving them the competitive advantage even if their business model is not superior. There are numerous obstacles militating agains growth and industralization and competiveness of our industries in this country, on top of this list is the low level of social overhead cost or infrastructure consisting of transport, power, communications, and such other public utilities.The Big Push seeks to overcome these militating factors by creating external economies. To explain the emergence of such external economies and their transmission, let us consider two industries Global Haulage (GH) a transport company and Cocoa Processing Company (CPC). If the GH expands because of the reduction in cost because roads are now motorable, it shall derive certain internal economies. This may result in the lowering of the price for the services of GH. Now if CPC uses GH’s services as an input, the benefits of GH’s internal economies shall then be passed on to CPC in the form of pecuniary external economies. Thus, “the profits of CPC created by the lower prices of GH's services call for investment and expansion in CPC, one result of which will be an increase in CPC’s demand for GH’s services. This in turn will give rise to profits and call for further investment and expansion of GH.In all these feedback investments, jobs will be created along each round in addition to increased tax revenue. To provide infrastructures, it is necessary to make ‘lumpy’ investments in them. And their creation is a precondition to the investments in directly productive and other quick-yielding productive activities. Only then the way for a self-generating economy can be paved. Thus the absence of adequate social overhead capital constitutes the most important bottleneck in our development process. Besides these, the infrastruture provided also reduces the social overhead cost for several industries, the synesgistic effect is even higher if the industries are interdependent. The reduced cost will also enable Ghanaian industries to ascend into the arena of global value chains as a result of the enhanced competitiveness. These investments across different channels of growth will enable each channel sustains the growth of others by providing the necessary demand-base. Thus, it leads towards the Balanced Growth. This is a destiny changing policy and I call on all Ghanaians to support and advocate for it.