In a recent address, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, issued a stark warning to Ghana’s political establishment about the escalating influence of social media.
Speaking at an event organized by the Political Strategy Lab, Afenyo-Markin highlighted the potential dangers posed by the youth’s growing disillusionment with the two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
[VIDEO] Alexander Afenyo-Markin Warns of Social Media’s Growing Influence on Political Landscape
He cautioned that if care is not taken, the youth, empowered by social media, could rise against the current political order, leading to unforeseen consequences for the nation’s leaders.
Afenyo-Markin’s concerns are rooted in the transformative role social media has played in Ghanaian politics, particularly since the 2012 and 2016 elections. The platforms have become arenas for political discourse, mobilizing voters, and shaping public opinion, often extending beyond official campaign periods.
This shift has been documented in studies that underscore how social media enhances democratic participation but also amplifies voices of discontent. The politician’s warning comes at a time when the continuous engagement of political party supporters on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter is evident, even outside election cycles.
The backdrop to Afenyo-Markin’s caution is the historical context of Ghana’s political landscape, which has been dominated by the NPP and NDC since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992. However, the risk of losing trust due to governance issues is not unfounded.
Recent global examples, such as the political upheaval in Nepal, where public frustration led to significant changes, serve as a cautionary tale. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the cycle of vindictive politics and lack of focus on governance could accelerate this risk, potentially leading to a scenario where the youth demand a complete overhaul of the political system.
To mitigate these risks, Afenyo-Markin urged his colleagues in politics to prioritize good governance and break the vicious cycle of payback politics. He stressed the importance of rebuilding trust with the electorate, particularly the youth, who are increasingly vocal on social media platforms.
This call for action aligns with findings from a 2021 study on the post-election performance of political parties in Ghana, which highlighted the need for effective policy formulation and public education to maintain political stability. The politician’s message is clear: the future of Ghana’s political landscape hinges on addressing these challenges head-on.
As Ghana navigates the influence of social media on its elections and the broader political environment, Afenyo-Markin’s warning serves as a critical reminder of the stakes involved. The potential for youth-led change, fueled by digital platforms, underscores the urgency for political leaders to adapt and respond to the evolving dynamics of public engagement.
With the continuous growth of social media’s role in shaping political discourse, the coming years will be pivotal in determining whether Ghana can maintain its democratic stability or face a transformation driven by disillusioned youth.
