Financial economist and academic Dr Razak Kojo Opoku has cautioned the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) against the use of threatening political rhetoric, urging the party to focus on constructive messages that inspire hope and restore public confidence ahead of future elections.
He argues that statements by some NPP members suggesting political retaliation when the party regains power could undermine its electoral prospects, particularly among non-partisan voters who expect political parties to present credible policies and solutions to Ghana’s challenges.
In a commentary on the party’s political communication strategy, Dr Opoku warned that the level of revenge some individuals appear to be contemplating against their political opponents could frighten even the most hardened observers and alienate voters who do not identify with either of the country’s two major political parties.
He said the NPP should reconsider its approach to political messaging and avoid threats that could create fear and deepen the country’s political divisions.
According to him, Ghanaians are looking for compelling messages that demonstrate the party’s readiness to address the country’s challenges, rather than statements suggesting that political opponents would face retaliation if power changes hands.
“The level of revenge that some people intend to unleash when the table turns is enough to scare even the Devil, as well as non-partisan voters,” Dr Opoku stated.
He stressed that the party’s communication should be centred on a positive vision for Ghana, with emphasis on policies, accountability, good governance and practical solutions to the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Dr Opoku’s comments come amid heightened political tensions between the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition NPP, particularly over the handling of cases involving some opposition party executives and activists under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
Several NPP figures have publicly warned that the political situation could change when the party returns to power, using expressions such as “the tables will turn” to communicate their dissatisfaction with what they describe as the treatment of their members by state institutions.
The warnings have been linked to concerns over arrests, prosecutions and the remand of some NPP members, which sections of the opposition have characterised as politically motivated.
Among the cases cited in the political debate are those involving Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, and Sunyani East Communications Officer Abubakar Yakubu.
Some NPP figures have warned that the party would respond in kind if the NDC continued to use state institutions and the judiciary to target political opponents.
However, such statements have raised questions about whether the party’s current communication strategy adequately addresses the concerns of voters who want assurances of fairness, institutional independence and respect for the rule of law, regardless of which party is in government.
It is against this backdrop that Dr Opoku has urged the NPP to exercise restraint and avoid language that could be interpreted as a threat of political vengeance.
Dr Opoku believes that threatening messages could prove counterproductive, especially at a time when the NPP needs to rebuild public trust and demonstrate that it can offer a credible alternative to the governing NDC.
He cautioned against statements such as “When we come to power, we will mafia this or that” and “Tomorrow is pregnant,” arguing that such expressions do little to advance the party’s political agenda.
In his view, rhetoric centred on retaliation risks shifting public attention away from substantive policy discussions and towards fears about what might happen when political power changes hands.
Rather than presenting the party as a force for reform and responsible governance, he warned, such statements could create the impression that a future NPP administration would use state power to settle political scores.
Dr Opoku described the approach as counterproductive and childish, urging party members to recognise that political communication should be designed to persuade voters rather than intimidate opponents.
He maintained that the NPP must be mindful of how its statements are received by undecided voters and citizens who are increasingly concerned about political accountability and the conduct of public officials.
The financial economist called on the party to concentrate on developing and communicating a compelling vision that addresses the country’s economic, social and governance challenges.
He argued that a credible opposition must do more than criticise the government or express anger over the treatment of its members. It must also demonstrate how it intends to govern differently and improve the lives of Ghanaians.
Dr Opoku urged NPP communicators and political leaders to emphasise messages that inspire hope, restore confidence and convince voters that the party has practical ideas for Ghana’s development.
He further advised party members to avoid unnecessary threats and focus on communicating their intentions through clear policy proposals and a positive campaign message.
“Conceal your intentions, avoid unnecessary threats, and focus on positive campaign messages that inspire hope, restore confidence, and convince voters that the NPP has a better vision for Ghana,” he stated.
His remarks underscore the importance of political messaging in shaping public perceptions of a party’s leadership, values and preparedness to govern.
For the NPP, the challenge is to communicate its concerns about the treatment of its members without creating the impression that a return to power would be an opportunity to retaliate against political opponents.
The debate also highlights the distinction between demanding accountability for alleged abuses of state power and threatening retaliation against political opponents.
Political parties have a legitimate role in questioning arrests, prosecutions and other actions by public institutions, particularly where they believe due process or fundamental rights may have been compromised.
However, such concerns are more likely to gain public support when they are pursued through evidence-based criticism, legal processes and clear commitments to institutional independence.
For the NPP, a message centred on equal treatment under the law, respect for human rights and the independence of state institutions could provide a stronger basis for challenging the government than warnings of future retaliation.
Such an approach would also allow the party to reassure voters that its commitment to accountability would apply regardless of political affiliation.
The concerns raised by Dr Opoku therefore extend beyond campaign strategy to the broader question of how political actors communicate their intentions in a democratic society.
Threats of retaliation can deepen mistrust between political parties and create uncertainty about whether public institutions would remain impartial when governments change.
Conversely, a clear commitment to the rule of law and fair treatment for all citizens can strengthen public confidence in democratic governance.
Dr Opoku’s intervention presents a challenge to the NPP to ensure that its response to current political tensions does not undermine its broader electoral objectives.
As the party seeks to strengthen its position ahead of future elections, its ability to articulate a credible alternative to the NDC will depend not only on its criticism of the government but also on the quality of its policies, the conduct of its leaders and the consistency of its public messages.
While concerns about the treatment of opposition members remain part of the political debate, Dr Opoku’s central argument is that the NPP should resist the temptation to frame a future return to power as an opportunity for revenge.
Instead, he wants the party to convince Ghanaians that it can offer responsible leadership, protect democratic institutions and pursue accountability without resorting to political score-settling.
His warning ultimately places the focus on a fundamental question for Ghanaian politics: whether political parties can challenge their opponents firmly while assuring the electorate that a change of government will not lead to a cycle of retaliation.
For Dr Opoku, the NPP’s path to rebuilding public confidence lies in presenting a positive vision for Ghana rather than frightening voters with threats about what might happen when the political tables turn.
By 1960news.com
