Alleged spraying of cash: Mahama has first test case – Mussa Dankwa on Upper East Reg’l Minister

The newly appointed Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has found himself at the center of controversy following an incident at his welcome durbar in Bolgatanga, where he was seen allegedly spraying cash at his supporters.

The incident, which occurred during a cultural celebration on February 2, 2025, has sparked criticism on social media, with many questioning the appropriateness of the act.

Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, was among those who commented on the incident.

In a Facebook post, he compared the situation to a similar case involving former President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, where an individual was taken to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for a similar act. Mr. Dankwah suggested that the cultural context of the Upper East Region and Northern Ghana, where it is customary to throw money at drummers as a gesture of appreciation, might be at play.

However, he emphasised that the manner in which money is offered should not signal an image of extravagance or excessive wealth, particularly for public officials.

He posed an important question: “How differently will people see this from what some of the parliamentary candidates did and were reported to the OSP?”

While Mr. Dankwah raised concerns about the perception of the minister’s actions, the Upper East Regional Communication Bureau of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has moved swiftly to address the controversy. In a statement, the bureau clarified that media reports had misrepresented the incident, stressing that the event was a cultural and unifying occasion.

It was a welcome durbar aimed at ushering in the newly sworn-in regional minister, Hon. Akamugri, where people from different political backgrounds and ethnic groups came together to celebrate in traditional style.

The celebration, marked by drumming, singing, and dancing, was deeply rooted in the region’s customs.

According to the NDC’s statement, the act of offering money to traditional performers is a long-standing tradition in the region. These performers are not pre-paid but rely on such contributions as a form of appreciation for their work.

The NDC further explained that the money involved in the incident was not provided by the minister personally but was instead given to him by the NDC Regional Vice Chairman, Mr. Issaka Haruna. The total amount was GHS 100, consisting of GHS 5 notes. The scattered appearance of the money, caused by strong harmattan winds, gave the misleading impression of deliberate “cash spraying,” the bureau stated.

Furthermore, the NDC emphasized that only Ghanaian cedi notes were used, dispelling rumors of foreign currency involvement. In light of this, the communication bureau expressed regret over the misrepresentation of the event, urging the media to verify facts before spreading misleading narratives.

The NDC also reaffirmed that Hon. Akamugri is known for his humility and modesty, asserting that any suggestion of opulence or extravagance does not align with his character or values. The minister’s commitment to responsible leadership and prudent governance remains steadfast, the bureau added.

While the incident has triggered public debate, the clarification from the NDC sheds light on the cultural context behind the actions and calls for a more balanced understanding of the situation. As the story continues to unfold, both the public and media will need to carefully consider the cultural nuances at play and avoid jumping to conclusions based on incomplete information.

The incident involving Hon. Atanga highlights the complexities of cultural practices and their intersection with public office. While the act of offering money as a token of appreciation is common in the Upper East Region, it is crucial for public officials to be mindful of how their actions might be perceived by the wider public, especially in a social media-driven age where narratives can quickly go viral.

As the media continues to cover the story, it is important to approach it with sensitivity and accuracy, ensuring that the cultural significance of such gestures is properly understood. The controversy also serves as a reminder for public figures to remain conscious of the potential for their actions to be misinterpreted, even when they are rooted in tradition.

Hon. Akamugri’s leadership will now be scrutinized more closely, but the NDC’s clarifications aim to restore the integrity of the event and reaffirm his commitment to leading with humility. Only time will tell how this incident will shape his tenure as Upper East Regional Minister, but for now, the focus remains on ensuring that cultural practices and political leadership can coexist in a way that fosters respect and understanding.

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