Claim: Multiple sources say Asamoah Gyan, an ex-Ghana Black Stars striker, has described the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) as unserious and regretted joining their campaign team.
Verdict: False. DUBAWA’s investigation showed that the Ghanaian ex-soccer star Asamoah Gyan did not describe the country’s ruling party as an “unserious party” as alleged. Accra-based TV3, the purported originator of the flyer with the claim, denied creating it and has urged the public to disregard it.
Full Text
Multiple sources say Asamoah Gyan, an ex-Ghana Black Stars striker, has described the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) as an unserious party and regretted joining Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team.
The former Sunderland striker headed the Youth and Sports sub-committee that drafted the 2024 manifesto for the NPP’s 2024 Presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
However, nearly a month after the NPP launched its 2024 manifesto, Mr Gyan said he no longer belongs to any political party.
“I haven’t been fair to the youth and the people of Ghana. Henceforth, I am not affiliated to any political party; I will continue with my humanitarian work and help the youth of Ghana in my own small way. Nothing political, I wish all the political parties a peaceful election on the 7th December, God bless our homeland Ghana, thank you,” the ex-Ghanaian captain wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Sept. 11, 2024.
Less than two hours after Mr Gyan shared the post on X, multiple claims alleged that the ex-Ghanaian soccer star has described the country’s ruling party as an “unserious party.”
“NPP is not a serious political party. I regret joining Dr Bawumia’s campaign. They don’t have the youth of the country at heart,” Asamoah Gyan reportedly said.
The claim is featured on a flyer bearing the logos of platforms affiliated with the Ghanaian media group Media General.
The flyer has been shared wildly on X, as seen here, here, here, and here.
Commenting on the claim, an X user wrote:
“Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan regrets joining @MBawumia’s campaign. He believes the NPP is not a serious political party, particularly highlighting their neglect of the youth.”
Another X user said:
“No sensible person will associate themselves with the NPP as a party and Asamoah Gyan has run away. More to follow!”
DUBAWA decided to probe the claim due to its virality in West African countries.
Verification:
DUBAWA’s investigation showed that the Ghanaian ex-soccer star Asamoah Gyan did not describe the country’s ruling party as an “unserious party” as alleged.
The findings of DUBAWA’s content analysis of Mr Gyan’s statement revealed that the former Sunderland forward did not mention the New Patriotic Party (NPP) or the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Mr Gyan was linked to the ruling NPP because of his role in drafting their 2024 manifesto and his appearances on some campaign platforms for the party.
However, he said he is no longer affiliated with any political party in the country and will remain committed to his humanitarian work and youth development.
Mr Gyan did not say anywhere in the statement that the NPP is not a serious party. He also did not say that he regretted joining Dr Bawumia’s campaign team.
Also, Accra-based TV3, the purported originator of the flyer with the claim, denied creating it and has urged the public to disregard it.
“Please take note. Media General didn’t author this,” the media group shared on X.
Also, DUBAWA’s Google keyword search findings disclosed that no reputable media organization in Ghana reported on Mr Gyan’s purported claim.
Considering the interest Mr Gyan’s appointment to the NPP’s 2024 manifesto sub-committee generated in the country, a purported calling out of the ruling party would have dominated headlines and major discussions.
However, DUBAWA found no data online to support the claim allegedly made by the Ghanaian soccer legend.
DUBAWA later contacted some X users who shared the flyer to find out the source of their claim, but as of Sept. 12, 2024, they have yet to respond.
Conclusion
Ghanaian soccer legend Asamoah Gyan did not describe the country’s governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) as “unserious” and regretted joining their campaign team.