Many people are talking about the mysterious political billboards that appear in Ghana and feature an anonymous person wearing a mask with the hashtag #THENEWFORCE.
These billboards, which show a political contender’s intention for the upcoming general elections in 2024, are strategically positioned throughout Ghana’s cities, adding to the already-established political atmosphere and raising a sense of mystery, uncertainty, and curiosity among the public.
While some see this man in a mask as a symbol of hope and a new candidate distinct from the well-known faces of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and other independent political parties, others doubt and worry about this person’s secret identity.
As Ghanaians, we have firsthand experience with the political parties that currently hold power, so when a new party takes centre stage, we can’t help but think that their intentions and platforms would be admirable.
However, we also ask questions as concerned citizens: how can someone who wears a mask inspire confidence in Ghanaians to believe in your NEW FORCE when you are hiding your identity? Will you remain concealed behind your mask and carry out the same covert actions as other political parties, or will there actually be a constructive shift?