Deputy General Secretary of Ghana’s ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has criticized New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Afriyie for prioritizing entertainment over substantive policies in the Ablekuma North by-election campaign.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face program on July 8, Gbande accused the opposition of underestimating voters’ intelligence.
“The NPP candidate has not demonstrated competence,” Gbande stated, alleging her strategy reduced the constituency to “a theatre for dancing” focused on crowd-pulling events and cash distribution rather than policy engagement. He expressed confidence in the NDC’s prospects for the upcoming parliamentary rerun across 19 polling stations.
Gbande further questioned Akua Afriyie’s credibility, citing unresolved public scrutiny of her tenure as Ghana’s Ambassador to Serbia. “Allegations of involvement in visa irregularities and extortion during her diplomatic service continue to hang over her,” he asserted. The remarks intensify political tensions in the constituency, where the NDC aims to retain its seat under President Mahama’s administration.
The Electoral Commission scheduled the rerun after disputed results in the 2024 general election, with both parties mobilizing supporters amid ongoing debates over campaign ethics.
