Amoakohene and Paul Yandoh: The friendly political contest everyone is watching – Hafiz Tijani writes

 Politics does not always have to be about fighting, insults and rivalry. Sometimes, it can also be about friendship, respect and a good laugh.

That is the picture the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, and the Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Kwabena Yandoh, seem to be showing.

As a journalist who has covered  political campaigns and events for years, one thing I have always admired is the friendship that exists between politicians from different parties.

The public often sees heated debates, strong criticism and political attacks. But behind the scenes, the story is sometimes very different.

One example that always stands out is the relationship between former Manhyia South MP and former Energy and  Education Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, and the Interior Minister and Asawase MP, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak.

I have seen them meet at public events, especially during a KNUST congregation. They chatted, laughed, shook hands and hugged warmly. It was a reminder that political opponents can still be good friends.

Another experience happened when I travelled to the Ahafo Region with George Mireku Duker, who was then Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. After a long day, our convoy was returning to Kumasi when the deputy minister’s vehicle suddenly stopped in one of the towns.

Another vehicle travelling from Kumasi to Ahafo also stopped on the opposite side of the road. Mr Duker stepped out, and so did the MP for Asutifi South, Alhaji Collins Dauda.

The two men spent about 20 minutes chatting and laughing before continuing their separate journeys.

I have witnessed many similar moments during parliamentary committee visits to the Ashanti Region. MPs from different parties often engage in friendly conversations that have nothing to do with cameras. Their discussions are usually about issues that affect the country.

That is one of the strengths of Ghana’s democracy. Political competition has not completely destroyed personal relationships.

Supporters often see politicians as enemies. But many of these leaders are friends who simply belong to different political parties.

The recent funeral of the father-in-law of GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi was another example. Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh led several senior NPP figures, including Justin Frimpong Kodua and Henry Nana Boakye, to the event. It showed that personal relationships can rise above party lines.

That brings me back to Dr Amoakohene and Paul Yandoh.

Their friendship has found a new stage: social media.

Every day, the two seem to give their followers fresh content. They tease each other, respond to each other and keep their audiences entertained.

Sometimes it is difficult to tell who is making the other more popular.

After a long day of reporting, I often find myself checking Facebook to see the latest exchange between these two energetic young politicians.

Before becoming Regional Minister, Dr Amoakohene served as the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC. He played a key role in making the party more visible in the 2024 elections.

Paul Yandoh is now seeking the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Secretary position in the party’s upcoming regional elections. Interestingly, it is the same position once held by his friend, Dr Amoakohene.

Yandoh has repeatedly joked that delegates must help him win the election, otherwise Dr Amoakohene will never stop trolling him online.

Dr Amoakohene, however, seems to have taken the joke even further.

He has publicly appealed to his social media followers to support Paul Yandoh’s campaign financially.

The fundraising campaign has attracted attention and, by all indications, has received encouraging support.

Yandoh has openly said that he does not have a major financier.

He had hoped that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, would support his campaign, but Wontumi has been dealing with his own legal challenges.

For now, the minister appears to be enjoying his role as his friend’s unexpected fundraiser.

Paul Yandoh also makes sure Dr Amoakohene’s name is never far away. Whether on radio, television or political talk shows, he frequently blames the regional minister for developments in the Ashanti Region.

His argument is simple: the regional minister is the head of the region and must be held responsible.

Some observers believe this is also a political strategy. Dr Amoakohene has become one of the most active and visible regional ministers on social media and Yandoh’s constant responses help keep him in the same public conversation.

Interestingly, the exchanges have not slowed either of them down.

For now, both men remain focused on their respective political goals. Yandoh is campaigning for votes, while Dr Amoakohene continues to rally support for his friend online.

Whenever I meet the regional minister, I almost always ask about Paul Yandoh.

He usually laughs, makes a funny remark and moves on.

Those moments always leave me with the same thought: political difference does not have to mean personal hatred.

Sometimes, it simply means having a friend on the other side of the argument.

The writer is Hafiz Tijani Abdul-Samed