‘Breaking the 8’ slogan, pioneered by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been a central part of their campaign messages in this election season. 

It connotes that they will continue to stay in government should they win the 2024 elections, which will be a significant record in the history of Ghana.

However, during the presidential balloting held by the Electoral Commission on September 20, 2024, the flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, picked number 1, and the presidential candidate of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama, picked number 8.

While the NPP thinks the 8 will be difficult for some NDC supporters, especially the elderly, to locate Mahama on the ballot paper, some NDC supporters have interpreted the number as symbolizing the end of the NPP 8-year administration.

Bridget Otoo, a renowned journalist who has declared her stance as an NDC supporter, shared her sentiments about the balloting.

In an X post on September 20, 2024, she wrote: “Breaking the 8 is trending. I want to see how they will go to Kumasi and educate their base that breaking the 8 doesn’t mean they should put their thumb on the candidate with 8 next to his face.”

The journalist’s tweet, suggesting that the NPP should educate the Asantes about the new development so they can distinguish between 8 on the ballot paper, and the phrase ‘Breaking the 8’, was not well received by some Asantes.

They contended that Bridget Otoo’s post was an insult to their intelligence and accused her of being tribalistic. 

Check some of the tweets below:

The rate at which frivolous characters like @Bridget_Otoo think they can drag an entire city, Kumasi with illiteracy without any provocation.

When it comes to the educational ladder Kumasi people are second to none in this country for any idiot like Bridgete Otoo to take a swipe… pic.twitter.com/vbTd0nj91h

— The Asante Nation (@Asante_nation) September 21, 2024

Deliberately insinuating that the people in Kumasi are illiterates but Asantes are the most tribalistic uno. She will post a fake apology later but we know your true intentions. Renowned journalist letting Politics tarnish your image, all the best 👍🏼

— Nungua Burnaboy (@views09) September 20, 2024

There’s no sense in what you’re saying. Are you trying to say Asantes are not educated? You must be mad. People like you give NDC a bad name.

— Nana Sei Anyemedu (@RedHatPentester) September 21, 2024