Malik Basintale, the Deputy National Communications Officer, issued a bold warning to the NDC.

Malik Basintale, the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) Deputy National Communications Officer, has given a dramatic warning, claiming that if his party fails to deliver a big campaign pledge, he will personally gather “the boys boys” to vote against them. Basintale declared on TV3’s morning show on December 11, 2024, that he would take this severe action if the NDC did not repeal the contentious betting tax, which they had committed to do.

Basintale expressed his dissatisfaction with political parties that fail to fulfill their promises to the public. He said that a government that fails to deliver on its promises should accept responsibility and face the consequences. “If you cannot deliver, you are supposed to come out and tell the people that they should vote you out of office because you were unable to deliver,” Basintale said, adding that such honesty would enhance democracy.

He also chastised the government New Patriotic Party (NPP) for failing to keep important commitments like as the One District, One Factory plan and the pledge to allocate $1 million per district. According to Basintale, the NPP’s refusal to accept its flaws sets a dangerous precedent, and he warns that the NDC should not follow suit.

The betting tax has been a contentious subject in Ghana, particularly among young people who see it as a considerable financial hardship. Many people expected the NDC to prioritize its elimination when it became a key campaign promise in their platform. Basintale’s ultimatum reflects the discontent of party insiders and the general public, particularly younger voters who are disillusioned by unfulfilled promises.

Basintale’s statement is not simply a warning to the NDC, but it also conveys a broader message to political leaders about the implications of losing public trust. It underscores citizens’ growing impatience, as they demand responsibility and openness from their leaders. The NDC’s response to this warning remains to be seen, but it is clear that the stakes for the party’s legitimacy and future electoral success are higher than ever.