By King Amoah
In a recent exclusive telephone interview, Apostle John Kwaku Appiah, the Head Pastor of the Faith Outreach Ministry in Anloga, Kumasi, expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing political campaign led by former President John Dramani Mahama.
The Apostle’s observations come at a crucial time in Ghana’s political landscape as the elections approach and campaign rhetoric intensifies.
Apostle Appiah, who has been an astute observer of the political scene, lamented the shift in Mahama’s campaign strategy from promoting substantive policies to launching personal attacks against his opponents. Initially, Mahama’s campaign had garnered respect and support for its focus on constructive dialogue and meaningful policy proposals that resonated with the electorate. However, the Apostle noted with disappointment that as the campaign has progressed, Mahama has veered towards negative campaigning, leveling accusations against President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
- The Apostle criticized Mahama’s recent statements, which included allegations of the current president boasting about his achievements and receiving numerous accolades, both nationally and internationally.
According to Apostle Appiah, such rhetoric is unbecoming for a political leader and could undermine Mahama’s reputation. He emphasized that resorting to personal attacks is not only undemocratic but also detrimental to a candidate’s political ambitions.
Moreover, the Apostle took issue with Mahama’s characterization of the Vice President as incompetent, suggesting that such accusations do not align with the principles of a democratic campaign. He urged political leaders to engage in discussions that reflect their political ideologies and policies rather than descending into personal disparagement.
In his thoughtful counsel to Mahama, Apostle Appiah proposed that if the former president feels he has exhausted his campaign messages or proposed policies, it may be more prudent for him to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could jeopardize his political career.
According to the Apostle, maintaining peace, stability, and unity in the country is paramount, and this can be achieved through respectful discourse devoid of divisive rhetoric.
Concluding the remarks of Apostle John Kwaku Appiah underscored the importance of fostering a political environment where constructive dialogue prevails over conflict. In his view, as the election approaches, Ghanaian politicians must prioritize national unity and peace to ensure a prosperous future for all citizens.
As the campaign trail continues to evolve, the call for civility in political discourse remains crucial for the well-being of the nation. It is an invitation for leaders and candidates alike to remember the virtues of respect and constructive engagement, which are essential for the advancement of democracy in Ghana.
