Mahama criticized for not using Waale dialect during Upper West campaign

Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has faced strong criticism for not using the local Waale dialect during his campaign tour in the Upper West Region.

Critics argue that while some areas in the region do not primarily speak Waale, Mahama could have addressed the crowds in Waale where it is spoken to better communicate his policies.

Romanus Bombe, a journalist with Wa-based Home Radio, expressed this view during the station’s Sunrise Upper West morning show on Monday, October 14, 2024. He criticized the former President and the NDC for not being strategic enough to have Mahama, a former Member of Parliament for Bole, speak the language of the local people to make a greater impact.

Bombe pointed out that many people in Bole and its surrounding areas, located in the Savanna Region where Mahama hails from, are familiar with the Waale language due to the region’s proximity to the Upper West and the presence of the Waala community.

While acknowledging that many people in the Upper West Region understand English, the journalist emphasized that a significant portion of the population, especially the elderly and unlettered, may not have benefited from Mahama’s English-language speeches during his tour of the region’s constituencies.

Bombe questioned why Mahama chooses to speak Twi in Akan-speaking areas to ensure his message resonates but did not consider doing the same with Waale in the Upper West Region.

Speaking in Waale, Romanus said, “What I don’t understand about the NDC’s campaign in the region is why John Mahama hasn’t tried to sell his policies in the local language when he can speak Waale, despite being from Bole. Even if he isn’t fully fluent, people would still understand him. While addressing the crowds in English has some impact, many, especially the elderly, may not have understood what he was saying.”

He further cautioned the NDC to avoid making such strategic blunders if they do not want to face disappointing election results.

“The NDC shouldn’t make these mistakes and then complain about the election results later,” Bombe warned.

Bombe also disagreed with a caller who suggested that, since the campaign is a national event, English should be the primary language of communication. He countered by pointing out that Mahama has spoken Twi at other campaign events, arguing that if it is appropriate to use Twi, then Waale should be used in the Upper West Region.

“I don’t agree with the argument that because it’s a national event, Mahama must speak English everywhere. Then why does he speak Twi on the same campaign platforms in other areas? Aren’t those also national events?” Bombe questioned.

He emphasized that using local languages to communicate with voters is a strategic way for politicians to create a sense of belonging among the electorate.

John Mahama, like many politicians, is known for using local languages during his campaigns, including Hausa when visiting Zongo communities.

The former President was in the Upper West Region for a three-day campaign tour, which ended on Monday, October 14, 2024, as part of his efforts to lead the country once again and, as the NDC puts it, "reset" the nation.