Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communications for the Bawumia Campaign Team, has openly criticized the election projections released by Global InfoAnalytics, calling them biased and skewed in favor of John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The recent forecast by the research firm predicts a decisive victory for Mahama in the December 7, 2024, general elections, projecting him to secure 52.2% of the votes compared to the 41.4% predicted for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate.
Aboagye, speaking on Eyewitness News on November 29, 2024, dismissed these projections as unrealistic and an inaccurate representation of the current political climate. He strongly questioned the credibility of Global InfoAnalytics and its lead researcher, Mussa Dankwah, accusing the organization of manipulating figures to create an illusion of an overwhelming advantage for Mahama.
Aboagye described the forecast as highly exaggerated, claiming it does not reflect the true sentiment of the Ghanaian electorate. According to him, the prediction that Mahama would lead by such a significant margin is implausible. He argued that the supposed 2 million votes needed to achieve such a result lack any factual basis, emphasizing that previous polls from the same research firm had also been misleading.
“Is it not strange that in all the polls we have had for the 2024 elections, it is only Mussa Dankwah’s polls that predict John Mahama as the clear winner? And, ridiculously so, they even attribute some outrageous percentages to the former president,” Aboagye remarked. He further added, “If I look at the figures Mussa Dankwah has put out, then basically, what he is saying is that the former president is winning this election by about 2 million votes. Where is he going to get those votes from?”
He also referenced past projections made by Global InfoAnalytics, particularly one that claimed the NDC would win in the Oforikrom constituency with a staggering 99%. Aboagye used this example to discredit the firm, labeling it as unreliable and biased. He went on to characterize Dankwah’s research as akin to a "lotto doctor" rather than a credible pollster.
The Bawumia campaign maintains that the projections by Global InfoAnalytics are not reflective of the political landscape in Ghana. Aboagye insisted that Dr. Bawumia remains a top contender and a favorite among voters, pointing out the vice president’s track record and popularity across the nation. He urged the public and media not to be swayed by what he described as dubious polls designed to shape public perception in favor of Mahama.
This public rebuttal comes at a crucial time as Ghana inches closer to the December elections, a period marked by intense political activity and heightened anticipation. The allegations against Global InfoAnalytics highlight the broader issue of how data and statistics can be used or misused in political campaigns. Aboagye’s remarks signal the Bawumia team’s determination to challenge narratives they deem misleading, ensuring that voters receive accurate information about the electoral landscape.
The NDC, on the other hand, has not officially responded to Aboagye’s claims but has continued to project confidence in Mahama’s chances of winning the election. The party believes that the former president’s policies and leadership resonate with a significant portion of the electorate, giving him an edge over the incumbent NPP candidate.
As the elections approach, the role of pollsters and their influence on public opinion has become a focal point of discussion. While polling serves as a tool to gauge public sentiment, criticisms like those from Aboagye underscore the potential pitfalls of inaccurate or biased data. Analysts have noted that such controversies could shape voter attitudes, especially if one side uses the data to claim a moral high ground or delegitimize opponents.
The Bawumia team has called on supporters to remain steadfast and not be discouraged by what they describe as attempts to distort the political reality. Aboagye emphasized that the NPP’s campaign is grounded on facts and achievements, not inflated projections or wishful thinking.
As election day draws near, all eyes remain on the competing candidates and their ability to engage with voters on the pressing issues facing Ghana. Regardless of polling controversies, the final verdict lies in the hands of the electorate, whose decision on December 7 will shape the country’s future leadership.
This development adds another layer of intrigue to an already heated electoral season, with both the NPP and NDC vying for supremacy in one of Ghana’s most closely watched elections. The role of credible and unbiased data will undoubtedly remain a critical factor in the weeks leading up to the polls.
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