<<Print>>

Ghana is blessed with several political parties with the two major ones being the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). These two are often heard attacking each other on one issue or the other.

The popular 'All die be die' comment was birthed by now President Akufo Addo in 2011 when the now opposition NDC visited mayhem on them at Atiwa during its by-elections.

This is what he said: "They have intentions to intimidate us in 2012 because they believe that we are soft and cowards. If that is the thinking, then we shall see. At least, during the Atiwa by-election, we showed a little of our colours there. You must understand that this party was formed by courageous people. Our leaders who formed this party that has now become the biggest political movement in Ghana were not cowards. So in 2012 we need to be courageous because all 'die be die'. All die be die".

Eight years later, former President Mahama has also been heard making similar comments following chaos that occurred during a by-election in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency.

According to Mahama, "we are not going to joke in 2020 and I’m sounding a warning to the NPP – we are going to match them boot for boot.”

 “We respect the constitution of this country and the NDC is a democratic party and that’s why we abide by the rules of the constitution. But the same constitution says that Ghanaians should resist anybody who attempts to subvert the constitution. When you go rampaging with forces and intimidating people when they should come out and vote you are subverting the constitution. And we have a right to resist you.

“I want to sound a caution that NDC has a revolutionary root and when it comes to unleashing violence no one can beat us to that. It is just that we midwifed this country’s democracy and that is why we must be the first to respect it. That is why we are acting as a party that is docile and respecting the rule of law. But if we believe that the government cannot protect our people and we believe that the government is using its vigilante groups and illegal forces to intimidate and harass and injure our people, then we may have to advise ourselves,” he added.

Juxtaposing these two comments, one may wonder what makes our leaders utter such comments.

I guess that was what British Ghanaian actress Ama K. Abebrese was wondering.

In a tweet she queried "So what is the difference between 'All die be die' and 'Boot for boot'?"

Anyone to answer?????