Bernard Mornah says Akufo-Addo’s report must be ‘coated with bitumen’ – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefJanuary 12, 20265 Mins read23
Bernard Mornah says Akufo-Addo’s report must be ‘coated with bitumen’ – Life Pulse Daily
Introduction
In a blistering critique of the immediate past administration, People’s National Convention (PNC) flagbearer Bernard Mornah has called for the erasure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s legacy from Ghana’s official records. Speaking on the Prime Morning Show on January 12, 2026, Mornah utilized the vivid metaphor of “coating with bitumen” to express his disdain for the Akufo-Addo government’s tenure. This article analyzes the political context of these remarks, the specific allegations raised regarding the Electoral Commission, and the broader implications for Ghanaian political discourse. We will explore why Mornah believes the former President’s name should be removed from historical data and what this signifies for the current state of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Key Points
- Call for Historical Erasure: Bernard Mornah explicitly stated that former President Akufo-Addo’s legacy should be removed from Ghana’s legitimate data.
- The “Bitumen” Metaphor: The PNC leader used the imagery of road construction bitumen to symbolize the dark and permanent covering of Akufo-Addo’s presidential title.
- Critique of the NPP: Mornah urged the current NPP leadership to reflect on their “bad record” rather than defending the previous administration.
- Electoral Commission Allegations: He accused the Akufo-Addo administration of operating under a “dubious legal regime” that empowered the Electoral Commission to disqualify political opponents.
- Rejection of Association: Mornah declared that Akufo-Addo is a figure with whom Ghana should not wish to be associated.
Background
The remarks by Bernard Mornah stem from a period of intense political reflection in Ghana following the end of Nana Akufo-Addo’s second term. As the leader of the People’s National Convention (PNC), a minority party in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, Mornah has historically positioned himself as a vocal critic of the two major political blocks—the NPP and the NDC—often focusing on governance failures and democratic integrity.
The specific platform for these comments was PleasurePrime’s Prime Morning Show, a popular morning talk show known for hosting hard-hitting political discussions. The interview took place on January 12, 2026, a time when political analysis of the Akufo-Addo legacy was at its peak. The “report” Mornah refers to is the cumulative assessment of the Akufo-Addo administration’s performance, particularly regarding the economy, governance, and democratic institutions.
To understand the weight of the “bitumen” comment, one must understand the political climate. The Akufo-Addo era was marked by significant economic challenges, including inflation and debt distress, which opposition figures cite as evidence of mismanagement. Mornah’s comments are a reflection of this opposition sentiment, distilled into a provocative soundbite intended to resonate with dissatisfied voters.
Analysis
The Symbolism of Bitumen
Mornah’s choice of the word “bitumen” is analytically significant. Bitumen, a black, viscous mixture of hydrocarbons used for road surfacing, is designed to cover surfaces completely and permanently. By suggesting that Akufo-Addo’s records be “coated” with it, Mornah is not merely criticizing the former president; he is advocating for a total blackout of his contributions from the national narrative. It suggests that the former President’s legacy is viewed by the critic as something dark and unsightly that needs to be hidden from view, rather than analyzed or celebrated.
Political Accountability vs. Historical Erasure
From a political science perspective, Mornah’s statement touches on the debate between accountability and historical revisionism. While it is standard practice for opposition leaders to critique sitting or past governments, Mornah goes a step further by calling for the removal of the title “President” from Akufo-Addo’s name in records. This rhetoric moves beyond standard political opposition into the realm of delegitimization. It implies that the tenure was so illegitimate that it does not deserve the honorifics usually accorded to former heads of state.
Allegations Against the Electoral Commission
Mornah’s critique extends to the machinery of democracy itself. His accusation that the Electoral Commission (EC) operated under a “dubious legal regime” to bar accused individuals from participating in the political process is a serious charge. In democratic theory, the EC is expected to be an impartial arbiter. If an EC is perceived as a tool of the incumbent government to exclude opposition (a concept known as “institutional capture”), it undermines the legitimacy of elections. Mornah’s claim suggests that the Akufo-Addo administration utilized legal technicalities to disqualify or silence political rivals, thereby skewing the democratic playing field.
Practical Advice
For readers seeking to understand the validity and impact of such political statements, the following practical advice is recommended:
How to Verify Political Claims
When a politician makes a claim about “bad records” or “dubious legal regimes,” it is essential to consult primary sources. Look for:
- Official EC Gazettes: Check the legal frameworks cited by the Electoral Commission during the periods in question to verify allegations of disqualification.
- Independent Audit Reports: Refer to reports from independent bodies like the IMF, World Bank, or Ghana’s internal audit agencies regarding the economic “records” Mornah mentions.
- Historical Archives: To counter claims of erasure, ensure you maintain personal archives of historical events and official titles, as political rhetoric often seeks to rewrite history.
Interpreting Political Rhetoric
Understand that metaphors like “coated with bitumen” are designed to provoke an emotional response rather than propose literal policy. When analyzing such statements:
- Separate the emotional intent (frustration) from the factual claim (alleged misgovernance).
- Contextualize the speaker’s position; as a minority party leader, Mornah uses strong language to gain visibility in a media landscape dominated by NPP and NDC narratives.
FAQ
What did Bernard Mornah mean by “coated with bitumen”?
Bernard Mornah used “bitumen” as a metaphor for covering or erasing. He stated that if he had the power, he would use bitumen—black, sticky material used to pave roads—to physically cover any record of former President Akufo-Addo in Ghana’s history books, effectively removing his name and title from legitimate data.
Is Bernard Mornah calling for the literal destruction of documents?
While Mornah used vivid imagery, his statement is best understood as political hyperbole intended to express extreme disapproval of the Akufo-Addo administration. However, he did explicitly state he would “take away the ‘president’ attached to his name” in any record he comes across, signaling a desire for historical revisionism regarding Akufo-Addo’s status.
What is the People’s National Convention (PNC)?
The People’s National Convention is a minor political party in Ghana. It often positions itself as a progressive alternative to the two dominant parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Bernard Mornah serves as its flagbearer.
What specific “dubious legal regime” did Mornah refer to?
Mornah alleged that under Akufo-Addo, the Electoral Commission was empowered to prevent individuals accused of wrongdoing from participating in the political process. This likely refers to specific disqualifications or legal hurdles faced by political opponents during election cycles under the previous administration, though Mornah did not cite specific court cases in this particular interview.
When did these comments take place?
The comments were made on January 12, 2026, during an appearance on PleasurePrime’s Prime Morning Show.
Conclusion
Bernard Mornah’s declaration that Nana Akufo-Addo’s legacy should be “coated with bitumen” serves as a stark indictment of the former President’s tenure from the perspective of the People’s National Convention. By employing such aggressive rhetoric, Mornah aims to galvanize opposition support and challenge the narrative that Akufo-Addo’s presidency was beneficial for Ghana. His comments highlight deep-seated frustrations regarding economic management and the perceived weaponization of state institutions like the Electoral Commission. As Ghana continues to navigate its democratic journey, such extreme calls for the erasure of political figures underscore the intense polarization within the country’s body politic.
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