Mahama Campaign Warns NPP Against Provocation in Political Ad Dispute

The Mahama 2024 Campaign has issued a stern warning to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) amid escalating tensions resulting from the removal of a billboard featuring HE John Dramani Mahama in Tema by the Chief Executive of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA).

The controversy unfolded when the TMA’s chief executive took down a legally placed billboard, which had been mounted by Alliance Media, prompting a swift response from the Mahama Campaign denouncing the act as unacceptable and needlessly provocative.

Alliance Media, a reputable Ghanaian advertising firm, holds valid permits to install Out-of-Home (OOH) and Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) sites nationwide, having duly fulfilled all required obligations to the TMA and other local authorities.

The Mahama Campaign emphasized that the billboard had been rented and paid for by them, underscoring the illegitimacy of its removal.

In a strongly-worded statement, signed by spokesperson Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the Mahama Campaign cautioned against such actions, warning that persistent provocations could lead to countermeasures to safeguard their rights and prevent further disruptions.

The Mahama Campaign also highlighted a similar incident in the Ablekuma North constituency where the NPP obstructed a billboard belonging to the NDC parliamentary candidate.

These developments have raised concerns about the potential for political clashes and violence, prompting calls for peaceful campaigning and mutual respect for differing political messages.

As tensions mount ahead of the upcoming elections, the Mahama Campaign stressed the need for decorum and peaceful engagement in political discourse, echoing sentiments expressed by President Mahama in a recent opinion piece emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace during this critical period.

With watchdog organizations, including the National Peace Council and civil society groups closely monitoring the situation, both political parties have been urged to uphold democratic principles and refrain from actions that could incite further unrest.

The Mahama Campaign reiterated its commitment to upholding peace and urged the NPP to campaign responsibly, respecting the right of all parties to convey their political messages without fear of intimidation or violence.

The developments underscore the increasing tensions in Ghana’s political landscape as the nation braces for a pivotal electoral showdown in December.