In a recent statement that has sparked controversy, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, the outgoing Deputy Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, has attributed the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) significant victory in the 2024 general elections to spiritual manipulation rather than acknowledging voter dissatisfaction or internal party challenges within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

During an interview on Oyerepa TV, Mr. Acquah questioned the logic behind the NDC’s electoral success, suggesting supernatural influences were at play. “You can call it spiritual manipulation or something of that sort,” he stated, expressing disbelief at how the NDC secured a substantial lead despite low voter turnout among their supporters. He argued that this outcome did not align with typical voting patterns observed in Ghanaian elections.

Mr. Acquah’s comments have rekindled debates about the integration of cultural and spiritual beliefs in political discussions, a phenomenon not uncommon in Ghanaian society. However, rather than focusing on the NPP’s own strategic and governance issues, which many analysts have cited as reasons for their defeat, he minimized the NDC’s achievement. “Let’s not exaggerate their success. If our supporters had turned out in their full numbers, the story would have been different. This isn’t some miraculous achievement by the NDC,” he claimed.

The reaction to Acquah’s remarks has been varied. Some within the NPP see his statements as a cue to look into possible unseen forces affecting the election results, while political analysts and critics argue that such assertions detract from the need to address the NPP’s internal problems and regain voter trust.

A political strategist commented that while these claims might connect with some voters, they could also hinder the party’s efforts to focus on rebuilding and addressing its core issues. Meanwhile, local voices from Akim Oda and elsewhere have voiced their concerns, with one resident stating, “We need less talk about spiritual manipulation and more focus on understanding why people lost confidence in the NPP. They should listen to the electorate instead of making excuses.”