ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has caused a disruption to normalcy, not least to country leaders seeking re-election in 2020. Such politicians face a double challenge of being judged not just on the viability of their candidacy but also how well they handle the crisis in their respective countries. Perceptions of good management of the pandemic are likely to engender increased electoral confidence while negative perceptions of bad leadership will likely erode public confidence. Their ability or otherwise to successfully navigate through a global crisis while remaining politically relevant will have a direct impact on their electoral fortunes. This chapter explores how Ghana’s Akufo-Addo strategically employed political communication strategies that won him both national and international acclaim. It shows how a combination of pre-emptive communicative events and a communication strategy that combined rhetoric with action, utilising both traditional and social media helped to project him as an astute, competent and decisive leader.
