A section of social media users have accused the National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, of showing a sign of insensitivity towards the black American, George Floyd, who was cruelly murdered by a police officer.
This follows his post on twitter and Facebook of a cartoon imitating the globally condemned murder of the African-American to illustrate the disregard of the Electoral Commission (EC) for opposing views on the compilation of a new voters’ register.
George Floyd was killed by a US police officer after kneeling on his neck, which made it impossible for him to breathe because he was allegedly holding a fake $20 bill. The officer who committed the atrocious crime has since been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
The cartoon posted by Sammy Gyamfi shows the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, and President Akufo-Addo kneeling on somebody lying on the floor, with the person’s hands tied behind him.
Titled ‘Choking the Voter,’ the image, which had the victim telling the EC Chairperson and the President that he “can’t breathe!” has met the wrath of some Ghanaians.
Many who commented on the post expressed shock over why a national officer of the largest opposition party could use such a sensitive matter to score political points.
Okyere Raymond commented on Facebook: “below the belt, my guy, you could have expressed this concern without grossly disrespecting the tragedy of a soul image (George Floyd) not long ago, please come again.”
Gameliel Nsiah Amaniampong also said: “all jokes aside, I’m very disappointed with this image. Very insensitive. I don’t want to believe this is the Sammy Gyamfi of NDC that we know. You can do your politics, but just be careful things you invite into your discus. Very shameful.”
Nana Kwadwo Awuah asked: “why do you people take such a case to reflect on political lens. Someone has been murdered and you’re here doing this. Think deep and be a patriotic politician with good and moral intentions. I’m disappointed in you.”
According to Antwi Gambrah Michael: “this is very insensitive. How can you make fun of the unfortunate thing that happened to the late Floyd? How dare you dishonour his memory like this? Will you have used his imagery in this despicable manner if he was to be your brother? Desperation at the highest peak.”
Nyameba Alexander Kwarteng said: “mimicking the death of George Floyd that has got people crying for justice, protesting for equal rights, and all that through this barbaric artwork for political propaganda unheard of. This is uncouth, inhumane, and primitive way of politicizing everything.”
Meanwhile, Sammy Gyamfi appeared unperturbed about the comments on his post, accusing his accusers of having difficulty with interpretation.
Sammy Gyamfi argued that there was nothing wrong with sharing a cartoon, which has a similar meaning to another situation, in this case, the EC’s unshakeable posture to compiling a new voter roll.
He explained that “this cartoon doesn’t mock the painful xenophobic murder of George Floyd, or seek to exploit same for political capital in any way. Floyd was choked to death while screaming for breath.
“In Ghana today, the Jean Mensah-led EC is seeking to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters through a xenophobic voter register. The potential victims of this grave injustice are screaming for breath. They are screaming for their inalienable right to vote.
“Nothing wrong with sharing a cartoon which draws a parallel between the painful xenophobic murder of George Floyd, and the evil attempt by the Ghana EC to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters through a xenophobic voter register.?
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. This is a serious matter, not a joke,” he added.
Ostensibly, other people have raised issues with the NDC’s resolve not to allow the EC to go ahead with its constitutional mandate of compiling a new voter register.
According to some Ghanaians, it is hypocritical for the same party to have double standards based on where they stood at a particular time.
The example given was when the NDC, during the Mahama-led administration, vehemently advocated for a peaceful atmosphere for the EC to do its work, ahead of the 2016 elections.
Some Ghanaians seek answers to the question ‘what has changed’ that the same party that called for others to allow the same EC to do its work, seems to be doing the worst.
The post Propaganda gone bad: Social Media roasts Sammy Gyamfi over cartoon on EC appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS