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.