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Ghana Political Tensions Escalate Over Minister's Credentials

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, January 14th 2026 at 3:03 GMT by Ghanaweb.com

Accra, Ghana - January 14th, 2026 - Political tensions are escalating in Ghana following a fierce public rebuke of Mahama Ayariga, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, by the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NPP alleges that Ayariga has engaged in a deliberate campaign to discredit Kwaku Agyemang Manu, the current Minister of Health, through unsubstantiated claims regarding his qualifications.

The dispute originated from recent statements made by Ayariga questioning the validity of Minister Manu's medical credentials and academic records. While the specifics of Ayariga's claims remain somewhat vague in publicly available sources, they have triggered a swift and aggressive response from the ruling NPP.

In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, January 12th, 2026, Yaw Amelelnu, the NPP's Deputy Communications Officer, condemned Ayariga's allegations as "unsubstantiated" and "malicious." Amelelnu accused Ayariga of a "nefarious scheme" aimed at damaging the Minister's reputation and undermining public confidence in the Akufo-Addo government. The statement's tone was particularly assertive, containing pointed remarks such as, "Tell them you're the fake doctor with fake academic records."

The NPP's defense of Minister Agyemang Manu highlights his perceived value within the government. Amelelnu emphasized that the allegations are "baseless and untrue" and intended to "smear the image of a hardworking Minister." This suggests a broader strategy by the NPP to protect key figures and maintain a positive public image, especially as Ghana navigates ongoing challenges within its healthcare system.

The core of the NPP's argument rests on the demand for Ayariga to provide concrete evidence to support his claims. Amelelnu underscored the importance of accountability in the digital age, warning Ayariga that his credibility is on the line. He stated that failing to substantiate the allegations would expose him as a purveyor of falsehoods.

This public feud comes at a particularly sensitive time. Ghana's healthcare system has been facing increasing scrutiny in recent years, grappling with issues such as resource constraints, infrastructure deficits, and workforce challenges. The accusations leveled against the Health Minister, regardless of their veracity, risk further eroding public trust and potentially hindering efforts to address these critical needs.

Legal analysts suggest that Ayariga's statements could open him up to legal action for defamation. The NPP's call for retraction and evidence suggests a preparedness to pursue this avenue. The case highlights the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the responsibility to avoid spreading false and damaging information, particularly in the charged environment of Ghanaian politics.

While Ayariga has yet to publicly respond with counter-evidence or a detailed explanation for his allegations, the NPP's immediate and forceful response indicates the seriousness with which they view these accusations. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the debate unfolds and potential evidence is presented - or withheld - by both parties. The long-term impact on the political landscape and public perception of both the NDC and NPP remains to be seen.