NPP denies alleged $280k smear campaign by Ukrainian PR Firm

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has denied claims that it hired a Ukrainian public relations firm to run an online smear campaign against former President John Mahama. The party says the allegations are false, defamatory, and aimed at tarnishing its image.

In a statement issued on August 3, the NPP said it has no contractual relationship — past or present — with Brandcom, the Ukrainian agency at the centre of the controversy.

It stressed that the party never engaged any foreign entity to operate fake accounts or produce negative digital content during the 2024 election campaign.

“The claims are completely false, baseless, and defamatory,” the party said, adding that it views the report as a deliberate attempt to undermine its credibility and sow public distrust. The NPP further demanded an immediate retraction and threatened legal action against Brandcom and any media outlet that republishes the claims.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to ethical campaigning, democratic values, and transparency, while encouraging the media and public to guard against politically motivated misinformation.

Background:
The denial follows a publication by AllAfrica.com on July 31, 2025, in which Ukrainian PR agency Brandcom accused the NPP of failing to pay \$280,000 for services allegedly rendered during the 2024 election campaign. In a pre-litigation notice, Brandcom claimed it was contracted by the then-ruling party to discredit presidential candidate John Mahama.

According to the agency, it created and managed 430 fake social media accounts and produced 87 memes and infographics aimed at mocking Mahama’s flagship “24-hour economy” policy. Brandcom insists the services remain unpaid and is threatening legal action to recover the amount.