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Ghana’s ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has relaunched its “Setting the Records Straight” initiative to counter what it describes as a systematic disinformation campaign by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
At a press conference in Accra, NDC Deputy Communications Officer Godwin Ako Gunn presented the platform as more than a routine political communication tool, framing it instead as a defense mechanism for democratic integrity in Ghana’s increasingly polarized political landscape.
“This initiative is about defending truth, protecting our democratic progress, and preventing deliberate attempts to distort the will of Ghanaians,” Gunn told reporters, accusing the NPP of reviving “misinformation, half-baked truths, and calculated propaganda” following their time in government.
The NDC claims the opposition is actively working to manipulate public opinion and rewrite Ghana’s recent political and economic history, particularly regarding economic management and the Bank of Ghana’s financial performance.
This isn’t the first time the NDC has deployed such a strategy. The “Setting the Records Straight” platform was initially introduced in the early 2000s when the party accused the incoming Kufuor administration of downplaying achievements made during Jerry John Rawlings’ presidency through what they termed “sustained propaganda.”
According to the NDC, Ghana’s current political climate bears striking similarities to that period, necessitating the platform’s revival. Political analysts note this reflects the intensifying battle for narrative control ahead of future electoral contests in one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.
During the press conference, the NDC highlighted what it considers major accomplishments from its previous administrations, including the construction of more than 200 Community Day Senior High Schools (E-blocks) and significant infrastructure developments such as Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport and the expansion of Kumasi Airport.
Party officials maintain these achievements were deliberately overshadowed during the 2016 election campaign by what they characterize as fabricated narratives surrounding issues like “dumsor” (power outages), the Amina Mohammed Yutong bus controversy, and allegations concerning “Nkomfem flights.”
Gunn alleged similar propaganda tactics are now being deployed against the current NDC government’s economic policies and state institutions.
A significant portion of the press conference centered on defending the Bank of Ghana’s 2023 financial results. The NDC rejected NPP claims that the central bank recorded a GH₵44 billion loss, dismissing the figure as “unsubstantiated propaganda.” Instead, party officials maintained the reported GH₵15.6 billion loss reflected necessary strategic interventions by the central bank to stabilize Ghana’s economy.
“These interventions have directly contributed to lower inflation rates, a stronger cedi, easing cost of living pressures, and improved debt sustainability,” Gunn stated, arguing that efforts to portray the central bank’s actions as reckless were calculated to undermine public confidence in state institutions.
Ghana’s economy has faced significant challenges in recent years, with inflation reaching double digits and the country seeking International Monetary Fund support in 2022. Both major political parties have traded accusations over responsibility for these economic difficulties.
The NDC also used the occasion to urge party executives and government appointees to maintain discipline and unity as the administration intensifies its communication strategy. Gunn called on regional, constituency, and branch executives to ensure that ongoing reorganization efforts strengthen party cohesion rather than create divisions.
“Setting the Records Straight will now operate as a permanent and institutionalized communication platform for the NDC,” Gunn announced, concluding with a firm commitment: “We will speak. We will correct. We will defend the truth every single day.”
Political communication experts view this development as part of a broader trend in Ghana’s evolving political landscape, where control of information and public perception has become increasingly crucial to electoral success in the digital age.
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7 Comments
This seems to be a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. I’m curious to see how the ‘Setting the Records Straight’ initiative unfolds and whether it succeeds in meaningfully countering the NPP’s alleged disinformation. Transparency and fact-based debate are essential for a healthy democracy.
The NDC’s accusations of NPP ‘misinformation’ and ‘calculated propaganda’ are quite serious. I wonder what specific claims the NDC is looking to rebut and whether they have strong evidence to back up their position. This could get messy, but an open public debate may be healthy for Ghana’s democracy.
The NDC’s decision to revive this initiative suggests they view the NPP’s claims as a serious threat. However, simply labeling something as ‘misinformation’ or ‘propaganda’ is not enough – they will need to provide robust, verifiable evidence to back up their position. Ghanaians deserve a clear-eyed, non-partisan assessment of the facts.
The NDC’s framing of this as a defense of Ghana’s democratic integrity is certainly a high-stakes claim. I hope both sides will engage in substantive, evidence-based dialogue rather than simply trading accusations. The Ghanaian public deserves clarity, not partisan mud-slinging.
The NDC’s framing of this as a defense of democratic integrity is compelling, but the NPP may argue that they are simply trying to correct the record as they see it. Fact-checking and transparency will be crucial for Ghanaians to make informed decisions.
This sounds like a familiar political tug-of-war over the historical narrative. It will be crucial for the NDC to provide credible, fact-based rebuttals if they hope to sway public opinion. Partisan spin often obscures the truth, so impartial analysis will be key.
This certainly seems like a heated political battle over the narrative. It will be interesting to see how the NDC’s ‘Setting the Records Straight’ initiative plays out and whether it succeeds in countering the NPP’s claims. Political spin is common, so critical analysis from independent sources will be key.