The Director of Elections for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahdi Gibril, has explained that the party’s directive asking candidates to refrain from erecting oversized billboards was taken for good reason.
He stated that the party has handed all aspirants in the ongoing internal elections a five-day ultimatum to remove all oversized campaign posters and banners mounted across the country.
In an official statement issued on Friday, October 9, and signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the party disclosed that its Functional Executive Committee (FEC) has set a maximum limit of 5 feet wide by 8 feet high for all campaign materials.
The FEC, which convened on Tuesday, October 6, further directed that posters should strictly be displayed at constituency offices, regional offices, and designated election grounds.
Commenting on the directive, Mr Gibril stressed that the display of opulence and uncalled-for expenditure would not be tolerated.
He noted that the contest remains an internal affair, warning that erecting massive billboards would only draw negative public reaction to the ruling party.
Speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s morning show Frontline with host Kwabena Agyapong, he urged aspirants to engage delegates directly in their respective localities rather than splashing money on giant billboards.
Mr Gibril cautioned that individuals who default on the directive will face sanctions, explaining that the measure is meant to ensure orderliness, discipline, modesty, and a level playing field for every aspirant.
He reiterated that the decision became necessary to prevent nuisance within the party’s ranks.
According to him, the party wishes to forestall a situation where oversized posters and banners litter the streets and disfigure the image of the governing political organisation.
He added that candidates do not require giant billboards to secure victory in internal elections, as direct engagement with delegates remains the most effective approach.
“As the party prepares for its upcoming internal elections, aspirants are encouraged to focus their outreach directly on the delegates rather than relying on widespread public displays. Because the target voters are clearly defined—spanning nine branches and wards for constituency contests and twenty-eight across regional races—candidates can easily reach their electorate through direct engagement. Moving away from large-scale advertising like billboards prevents unnecessary public disruption and protects the overall image of both the government and the party.
Refraining from mounting these billboards ultimately works to the candidates’ advantage, especially since the election process will wrap up in just three weeks and render such short-term investments pointless. By avoiding these redundant expenses, aspirants save significant financial resources while helping maintain a positive public narrative for the party. Ultimately, effective campaigning relies on personal connection, and the absence of outdoor advertising should in no way hinder a dedicated candidate from running a successful campaign.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
