NPP urged to employ strategic communication to address voter apathy

A former Vice-Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Mfantseman Constituency, Felix Nyarko Antwi, has stressed the importance of strategic communication to address voter apathy ahead of the 2024 general elections.

In an interview with the Daily Statesman, Mr. Nyarko Antwi urged the rank and file of the party to effectively disseminate President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s contributions and achievements at the grassroots level.

Highlighting the significance of well-executed campaign messages, he called for the placement of these messages on information vans to reach every nook and cranny of the country.

Mr. Nyarko Antwi also emphasized the need for swift responses from the party’s communicators to counter propaganda from the NDC, preventing any negative impressions on the government.

According to him, the key to winning the confidence of the people lies in ensuring that the messages about the President’s accomplishments resonate with them. By doing so, he said the party can establish a stronger connection with the electorate and motivate them to support the NPP in the polls.

Prevailing sentiment

Mr. Nyarko Antwi, however, highlighted a prevailing sentiment of disappointment among Ghanaians toward the current government. He noted that this disappointment is a “topic of discussion everywhere – be it in trotros, offices, queues for waakye (local food), barber shops, and various other settings.”

He further explained that citizens have reservations regarding voting, perceiving it as a “waste of time” due to concerns about the potential return of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to power and the possibility of them repeating past mistakes or engaging in corrupt practices.

He said with such widespread concerns and apprehensions, delegates must consider the feelings and opinions of the NPP’s rank and file by addressing these issues and reassuring the people about the NPP’s commitment to good governance and progress. That, he emphasised, will be crucial in garnering public support and trust.

Mr. Nyarko Antwi asserted that the NDC, led by John Mahama, does not present a viable choice for Ghana. He believes that the NPP must stand firm in its commitment to progress and development, presenting itself as the better option to lead the nation.

Flagbearership contest

Mr Nyarko Antwi also expressed confidence in all ten aspirants contesting in the upcoming NPP Presidential primaries. He emphasized that each of the aspirants possesses the potential to steer the party towards breaking the ‘eight-year’ cycle of governance.

However, he appealed to the party delegates to unite in support of the presidential aspirations of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, MP for Assin Central. He characterized Mr. Agyapong as the “Messiah of our time,” highlighting his remarkable track record in job creation and his fearless approach to leadership. He noted that the Assin Central legislator’s commitment to generating job opportunities for the Ghanaian youth has already shown tangible outcomes, further strengthening the case for his candidacy.