NPP Leadership Urged to Curb Fake Social Media Campaigns Before Flagbearer Selection

In a strong appeal to party leadership, former National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akomea, has called for immediate action against what he describes as “divisive and misleading” campaign tactics emerging ahead of the party’s flagbearer contest.

Speaking out on Wednesday, Akomea expressed growing concern over the proliferation of misinformation on social media platforms as the party enters the final month before its crucial primaries. “As the NPP goes into the last month before the primaries, I have seen a lot of fraudulent and untrue campaigns on social media. Some of these may seem clever, but they are so fraudulent,” he stated in his social media post.

The veteran NPP communicator highlighted specific examples of deceptive content currently circulating online. Among the most concerning were manipulated videos allegedly showing former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia endorsing other candidates. One particular video, according to Akomea, features Bawumia asking voters to select “No. 1” on the ballot—footage clearly from 2024 when Bawumia held that position on the ballot—but deceptively superimposed over Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign materials with the misleading caption “Bawumia for Ken.”

Another false claim making rounds suggests that Bawumia is offering differential payments to delegates based on geography—allegedly GHC1,000 to delegates in northern regions while only GHC300 to those in southern areas. Akomea dismissed these as “obvious lies” that demand immediate attention from party leadership.

Political analysts note that such divisive tactics could potentially fracture party unity at a critical moment when the NPP is working to present a united front ahead of Ghana’s general elections. The NPP, one of Ghana’s two dominant political parties, has traditionally prided itself on internal democratic processes, making the integrity of its primaries particularly significant.

The upcoming flagbearer contest, scheduled for January 31, 2026, features several high-profile candidates from within the party’s ranks. These include former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who served under President Akufo-Addo and is considered by many observers as a frontrunner in the race. Also contending is Kennedy Agyapong, the outspoken former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, who has developed a reputation for his direct communication style and business background.

Other aspirants include Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, who previously served as Education Minister and has been credited with several educational reforms during his tenure. Former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, who brings significant party organizational experience, and Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the current Member of Parliament for Abetifi, round out the field of declared candidates.

Akomea’s intervention comes at a time when political messaging in Ghana has become increasingly sophisticated and digital platforms have emerged as primary battlegrounds for shaping public opinion. His call for the NPP hierarchy to “take decisive action against perpetrators of fraudulent campaigns” reflects growing recognition across Ghana’s political landscape that unchecked misinformation could undermine the democratic process.

Political communication experts in Ghana have noted that the issues raised by Akomea highlight broader challenges facing political parties across Africa as they navigate campaign environments increasingly influenced by social media and digital content that can be easily manipulated.

As the January 2026 primaries approach, the NPP leadership now faces pressure to establish and enforce clear guidelines regarding campaign conduct, particularly in digital spaces, to ensure what Akomea described as “a fair and transparent primary process.”