Richard Ahiagbah
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has categorically denied allegations that it contracted a Ukrainian public relations firm to run an online smear campaign during the 2024 general election.
In a statement issued at the weekend by the party’s National Communications Directorate, the NPP dismissed as “completely false, baseless, and defamatory” claims published by AllAfrica.com on July 31, 2025, under the headline “Ukrainian PR Agency Demands $280,000 From Ghana’s NPP for Online Smear Campaign.”
According to the article, a firm identified as Brandcom, based in Ukraine, alleged that it had been hired by the NPP to create fake social media accounts and publish negative content targeting political opponents during the election period. Brandcom is reportedly demanding a payment of $280,000 from the NPP for services it claims to have rendered.
But the NPP says it has “no contractual relationship (past or present) with any entity known as Brandcom, based in Ukraine or elsewhere.”
“At no point did the leadership of the NPP engage, authorise, or instruct any foreign agency to operate fake social media accounts, produce smear campaign content, or undertake any unethical digital activities during the 2024 presidential campaign or any other cycle,” the party stated.
The NPP emphasised that it had consistently conducted its campaigns based on integrity, a strong policy agenda, and adherence to democratic principles. The statement reiterated the party’s commitment to issue-based politics and rejected any implication that it relied on disinformation or unethical tactics to gain political advantage.
Describing the publication as a “deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the party and sow public distrust,” the NPP called for an immediate retraction of the report and warned that it reserves the right to pursue legal action against both Brandcom and any media outlet that republishes the allegations without verifying the facts.
“This is a malicious and calculated effort to smear the NPP’s reputation. We encourage all media institutions and the public to be vigilant against misinformation, especially from faceless entities seeking to discredit legitimate political actors,” the statement added.
The party assured Ghanaians of its unwavering focus on building a prosperous nation through “bold, transparent, and ethical leadership.”
By Ernest Kofi Adu