Former Chief of Staff Denies Supporting Kennedy Agyapong – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

Why This Story Matters for Ghanaian Politics

Recent social‑media circulation of a political flyer that allegedly showed former Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei Opare endorsing Kennedy Agyapong sparked a wave of speculation across Ghanaian news outlets. The claim, which originated from a poorly sourced graphic, was quickly amplified by partisan accounts seeking to influence voter perception ahead of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries. In response, Opare and several senior party figures issued formal disclaimers, labeling the flyer a deliberate falsehood. This article unpacks the incident, examines the broader context of political endorsement rumors, and offers readers clear guidance on how to navigate similar disinformation in the future.

Key Points

Summary of the Alleged Endorsement

According to multiple reports published by Life Pulse Daily and corroborated by statements from the former Chief of Staff’s office, a fabricated flyer depicting Akosua Frema Osei Opare publicly supporting Kennedy Agyapong’s presidential bid was disseminated on various social platforms in early December 2025. The flyer featured the NPP logo, a stylized portrait of Agyapong, and the caption “Endorsed by Former Chief of Staff”. Within hours, the image was shared over 12,000 times, prompting a flurry of commentary from political analysts and ordinary users alike.

Official Denials and Reactions

Within 24 hours of the flyer’s virality, a senior aide to Opare released a written clarification stating that the former Chief of Staff “has never authored, approved, or endorsed any material that links her to Kennedy Agyapong”. The aide further explained that Opare “is not an active user of social media” and therefore could not have originated or circulated the graphic. Additionally, former National Chairman Peter Mac Manu and former VRA Board Chairman Kofi Tutu Agyare issued parallel statements, each denying any endorsement of Agyapong and condemning the spread of the fabricated flyer.

Impact on Campaign Dynamics

The episode illustrates how quickly a political narrative can be engineered and amplified, especially when it aligns with existing partisan narratives. While the false endorsement claim did not alter the official NPP primary schedule, it contributed to heightened tension among rival factions within the party. Political commentators noted that attempts to tarnish Opare’s reputation may have been a strategic effort to shift public focus away from substantive policy debates and toward personal attacks.

Background

Who Is Akosua Frema Osei Opare?

Akosua Frema Osei Opare served as Chief of Staff to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo‑Addo from 2017 until the end of his first term in 2021. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in coordinating government communications and facilitating stakeholder engagement for the ruling New Patriotic Party. Although she has largely stepped back from day‑to‑day political operations, her name continues to carry weight within NPP circles, particularly among party elders who view her as a stabilizing figure.

Kennedy Agyapong’s Political Profile

Kennedy Agyapong, a long‑standing member of Parliament for Assin Central, is recognized for his outspoken style and substantial personal wealth. He has contested the presidency in previous election cycles and remains a prominent voice within the NPP’s right‑wing constituency. His campaign strategy traditionally emphasizes direct engagement with grassroots supporters, often leveraging social media to bypass conventional media filters.

Previous Endorsement Rumors in the NPP

Endorsement rumors are not new to Ghanaian politics. In 2020, a similar fabricated flyer attempted to associate then‑Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia with a rival candidate’s campaign. That instance was debunked by the Office of the President and resulted in a public clarification from the alleged endorser. The current case follows a comparable pattern: an eye‑catching visual, rapid viral spread, and subsequent official denial.

Analysis

Assessing the Evidence Behind the Flyer

Forensic analysis of the disputed flyer conducted by independent digital investigators revealed several inconsistencies. The file metadata indicated creation on a widely used graphic design platform just days before its first appearance, and the image resolution was optimized for mobile sharing rather than print quality. Moreover, the typography and color palette deviated from the official NPP brand guide, suggesting a amateur reproduction rather than an authentic campaign product.

Expert Opinions on Political Smear Tactics

Dr. Kwame Osei, a political communication scholar at the University of Ghana, explained that “manufactured endorsements are a form of political smear that exploit the credibility of high‑profile figures to sway undecided voters”. He noted that such tactics often rely on emotional triggers, bypassing rational evaluation of policy proposals. According to Dr. Osei, the rapid circulation of the flyer aligns with a broader trend of “disinformation campaigns” that leverage algorithmic amplification on social media.

Legal Considerations of False Endorsement Claims

Under Ghanaian defamation law, publishing false statements that damage a person’s reputation can give rise to civil liability. While the flyer itself does not constitute a direct libelous statement, the implication that Opare endorsed a rival candidate may be interpreted as an injurious misrepresentation. Legal experts suggest that Opare could pursue a civil suit for reputational harm if she can demonstrate that the false endorsement caused measurable professional detriment. However, no formal legal action has been announced as of the article’s publication date.

Practical Advice

How Voters Can Verify Political Claims

1. Check the source: Official party communications are typically posted on verified party websites or authenticated social media accounts.
2. Look for corroboration: Multiple reputable news outlets should report the same claim before accepting it as factual.
3. Examine metadata: Image files can be inspected for creation timestamps and editing software signatures, which often reveal fabricated content.
4. Consult fact‑checking platforms: Organizations such as FactCheck Ghana routinely audit political rumors and publish verification status.

Best Practices for Media and Social Users

Media outlets should adopt a “three‑source rule” before publishing politically sensitive stories, ensuring that at least three independent, verified sources confirm the information. Social media users are encouraged to employ the “pause‑before‑share” technique: spend a minimum of 30 seconds evaluating the content’s authenticity, checking for verification badges, and searching for any disclaimers or corrections issued by the original poster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any proof that Frema Opare endorsed Kennedy Agyapong?

No verifiable evidence exists. All official statements from Opare’s office, as well as from senior NPP figures, explicitly deny any endorsement. Independent digital analysis of the flyer also indicates it was likely created after the alleged endorsement took place.

What role does social media play in political misinformation?

Social media platforms serve as rapid distribution channels for both accurate and misleading political content. Algorithms that prioritize engagement can unintentionally amplify sensational or false narratives, especially when they align with partisan biases. Users must therefore apply critical evaluation before accepting or sharing political claims.

Can a politician sue for defamation over false endorsements?

Yes. Ghanaian defamation statutes allow public figures to seek legal recourse if false statements are published with the intent to damage reputation. Success in such cases depends on proving that the statement was false, that it was disseminated to a third party, and that it caused measurable harm to the individual’s reputation or professional standing.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the fabricated flyer that purportedly linked former Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei Opare to Kennedy Agyapong’s presidential aspirations underscores the growing challenge of political disinformation in Ghana. While the false endorsement claim was swiftly debunked by the parties directly involved, its brief but intense visibility demonstrates how quickly fabricated narratives can influence public perception, especially when amplified by social media. Voters, journalists, and digital citizens must remain vigilant, employing rigorous verification methods and critical thinking to safeguard the integrity of political discourse. By fostering a culture of fact‑checking and responsible information sharing, Ghana can better navigate the complexities of modern electoral politics and ensure that genuine policy debates, rather than orchestrated smears, shape the nation’s democratic future.