Don’t substitute visionary policies for metaphors in 2028 campaign – Anatu Bogobiri Esq

Legal practitioner Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., has cautioned political actors against relying on political metaphors and public perception instead of presenting clear and visionary policies ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Her comments come amid a political controversy over allegations of an alleged cocaine hub in the country.

In a statement dated Sunday, October 4, 2026, Madam Bogobiri said the development risked turning a serious security matter into a political metaphor capable of shaping public perception ahead of the 2028 election.

“Now, as we approach the 2028 elections, a new metaphor appears to be emerging: drugs.”

She argued that allegations involving drug manufacturing cannot be treated merely as political talking points and must instead be backed by credible evidence.

“In a democracy governed by the rule of law, serious allegations demand serious proof.”

Madam Bogobiri said any public figure who claims to have information on the location or operation of alleged drug laboratories should formally assist the relevant security agencies with the information.

She specifically cited the Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana Police Service and National Security as institutions that should be involved in investigating such claims.

“A claim about the existence of drug manufacturing laboratories is not a matter for press conferences alone; it is a matter for national security investigation.”

She further proposed that security agencies should invite persons who have made such allegations publicly to provide specific and actionable information to aid investigations.

According to Madam Bogobiri, following such a process would help establish whether the allegations represent a genuine national security threat or are simply being used as part of political messaging.

“This process protects both the integrity of our security services and the intelligence of the Ghanaian voter. It separates a verifiable security issue from a campaign talking point.”

Madam Bogobiri also drew attention to Ghana’s political history, arguing that perceptions and powerful political narratives have influenced voter behaviour during previous elections.

She cited the 2000 election, where she said insecurity became a dominant political perception, and the 2016 election, when corruption and incompetence became powerful shorthand for broader governance and economic concerns.

She warned political parties against attempting to replicate such approaches in 2028 at the expense of substantive policy discussions.

Lawyer Anatu said the opposition has a legitimate constitutional responsibility to scrutinise the government but must complement that role with a credible alternative programme for the country.

“The opposition has a constitutional and democratic duty to hold government accountable, but that duty is best discharged with a credible alternative vision.”

She challenged political actors to tell voters what they intend to do about jobs, cedi stability, health financing, education and road infrastructure.

Madam Bogobiri further argued that the Ghanaian electorate has changed, with greater access to information and faster fact-checking making voters more capable of scrutinizing political claims.

“The Ghanaian voter in 2028 is not the voter of 2000 or 2016!”

She urged political actors to focus on ideas and policies rather than innuendo and emotionally charged narratives.

“To all political actors; enough of metaphors as substitutes for policy. The politics of perception may have won elections in the past, but it will not sustain a democracy.”

“The voter is wiser now.”