Viral Video Misrepresents Actor Kwaku Manu as Campaigning for NPP

A video circulating on social media has sparked controversy, showing a truck decorated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) colors and logos, accompanied by a voice-over allegedly from popular actor Kwaku Manu using derogatory language. However, investigations have revealed that the video is altered and does not reflect a genuine campaign message.

The video, shared by social media users such as BK Destiny and Aba.the.great, has gained significant traction since being posted on November 22, 2024. It has already garnered over 400 likes and 80 comments, triggering widespread debate online. While some commenters dismissed the video as a forgery, others speculated that it could be a deliberate attempt by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to damage the NPP’s reputation.

The voice-over in the video, attributed to Kwaku Manu, appears to deliver an inflammatory message: “We have got what we need in government already. We do not need to beg for your votes. We have already won the elections. If you will not vote for us, we will simply rig the elections.” Such a statement, if genuine, would portray the NPP in a negative light, suggesting arrogance and disrespect in its campaign efforts.

However, a detailed investigation by CitiVerify has debunked these claims. The voice-over was traced to an earlier skit by Kwaku Manu, where he wore a T-shirt featuring the colors blue, white, and red with the inscription “DPP.” While these colors bear a striking resemblance to those of the NPP, the skit was not a political campaign but rather a comedic performance.

Using tools such as InVID and Google reverse image search, CitiVerify uncovered the original video and verified it as part of a series of comedic sketches. Further investigation also revealed similar content featuring actor Jeneral Ntatia, another popular figure, wearing a shirt with the inscription “CPM.” His video included a caption promoting the hashtag #BeyondTheBallotMovie, making it clear that the content was not linked to real political campaigns but was part of a creative project.

Despite the clarification, the video has sparked significant public concern. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programme (NEIP), issued a caution to Kwaku Manu, advising him to avoid behavior that could be misinterpreted as inappropriate, especially while wearing colors associated with political parties. His warning highlights the heightened sensitivity surrounding political affiliations and public conduct during Ghana’s election period.

The altered video demonstrates the challenges of misinformation during elections, where doctored content can be used to sway public opinion or create confusion. With elections drawing closer, the viral nature of such content poses a risk to informed decision-making among voters.

This incident underscores the need for vigilance and media literacy among the electorate. Platforms like CitiVerify play a critical role in exposing false narratives and ensuring accurate information circulates. Voters are encouraged to verify content, especially during politically charged periods, to avoid being misled by fabricated or altered materials.

By confirming the video as a skit, CitiVerify has helped prevent potential damage to reputations and political processes. The situation also serves as a reminder of the power of social media to amplify false narratives, necessitating efforts from both individuals and institutions to combat misinformation.